Star midfielder’s injury against Rayo Vallecano two months ago could be long-term.
Jude Bellingham remained still. Surely, he must. Jude Bellingham rises daily. But he didn’t. Bellingham flopped on the Bernabeu pitch. The speculation began quickly. ACL? Broken ankle? Concussion? Type of muscle tear? What may immobilize him?
None of the above. Bellingham dislocated his left shoulder. After strapping the injury, he played. He looked awkward and seldom involved as Los Blancos drew 0-0 with mid-table Rayo Vallecano.
Bellingham has played continuously since six weeks ago. A fortnight ago, it was reported that La Liga’s leading scorer may need surgery, which may end his season, hurt Real Madrid’s title ambitions, and keep him out of Euro 2024. England’s fate is on Bellingham’s shoulders, and one may not work.
Injury mechanism
Bellingham’s tumble appeared harmless. However, he fell awkwardly on his left shoulder, popping the joint. After intensive treatment, hefty strapping, and a few minutes of recovery, he returned to the pitch.
Late in the game, the midfielder was quieter. After clipping the bar in the first half, he surged all over the pitch, looking agitated. By the end, he was verbally fighting almost every Rayo opponent.
Ancelotti said his top man may need a checkup after the encounter. The manager claimed he would be ready to play a few days later before Madrid’s match with Braga.
“He hasn’t done all the blow-avoiding training, but he’s felt good in his movements,” Ancelotti told reporters. “He’ll probably play tomorrow but I’ll evaluate it with him tomorrow.”
After late reviews, Bellingham was absent against Valencia the next week, causing concern. Then things got tricky. Despite not playing for Madrid, Bellingham was called up to England. He was seen coming at his national team’s training camp, angering Ancelotti.
“He can’t play for England without playing today. Specifically strengthening his shoulder will be done in the following weeks. “I think he can play after the international break,” declared Madrid’s boss.
He was right. Bellingham departed the Three Lions’ setup, returned to the pitch with heavy strapping, and recovered form quickly. Everything seems regular now, watching him.
Argument for surgery
That doesn’t imply everything’s fine. Shoulder dislocations are complicated. Ancelotti described Bellingham’s return as “specific work”; isolated instances are dealt with severe strapping and physical therapy. Some things never heal properly on their own. In isolated cases, dislocations can pile up.
Ancelotti knows. Multiple Madrid insiders told The Athletic that surgery is being seriously considered for the issue.
It happened in football this season. Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, a less important player, was more severely injured in October while playing for Scotland. He had surgery immediately and will be out until early February.
Bellingham isn’t there yet. He played through one shoulder dislocation. He appears to be responding nicely to treatment. Currently, no major surgery is needed. Surgery drastically reduces the risk of re-injury. No footballer is risk-free, but a successful surgery would solve this problem for now.
The worst case
What if this goes horribly wrong? What if Bellingham lands awkwardly in Madrid’s Sunday match against Villarreal? How about an Alaves midfielder pulling him down the following week? What if he meets Rudiger in Madrid training? Madrid’s doctors had little choice after two dislocations months apart. They must operate on the Englishman or risk long-term harm. He would be a dislocation waiting.
Madrid may survive without him. Attacking talent is enough to make things work. Brahim, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo are hardly like-for-like replacements, but if Ancelotti handles their minutes and gets Vinicius back on time, he may finish the season. However, a difficult draw in the knockout stages could cost Los Blancos Champions League glory.
The repercussions might be disastrous for England. Bellingham has driven this team for a year. Although the midfielder has been ready for a while, Southgate didn’t give him a major role until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After joining that team, he never left.
Bellingham’s midfield wizardry was behind all of that tournament’s success and Euro 2024 qualifying triumphs. He makes Phil Foden appear like Pep Guardiola’s iconic Andres Iniesta regen. Harry Kane looks better with him. Jordan Henderson is a decent center midfielder alongside him.
Avoiding bumps
Ultimately, hope. Unfortunately, it looks bad. La Liga opponents have routinely hit Bellingham’s shoulder. The midfielder has occasionally left duels or changed his landing to protect his upper body. Protecting his current ailment could cause another injury.
Bellingham shows no signs of slowing. Despite being the center of attention for opposing teams, he still scores a terrifying rate, averaging a goal per game. Bellingham is winning matches despite shoulder injuries and man-marks.
Risk always exists. He could lose his season with an awkward bump, random fall, or surprise jolt. This could save him from surgery if it happens again. Bellingham’s age (20) and talent (immense) make it unlikely. There will be more games, seasons, and likely awards.
For now, he’ll keep working. Goals, assists, tackles, and impressive tricks, flicks, and stepovers await. Southgate, Ancelotti, England fans, and Madridistas will hold their breath every time he falls. Bellingham may not rise again.