Xabi Alonso 'optimistic' about Jude Bellingham recovery and provides update when injured Real Madrid star will return

Alonso has offered a positive update on Bellingham’s recovery from shoulder surgery. The midfielder has been sidelined since going under the knife to fix a recurring dislocation that first struck against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. He had continued to play with heavy strapping for both Madrid and England before the issue worsened, forcing him out of action at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. 

The 22-year-old has already missed three La Liga fixtures this season and will miss Los Blancos' opening Champions League games. The club are desperate to avoid rushing him back, but Alonso confirmed that Bellingham is already in partial, non-contact training. With El Clasico against Barcelona looming on October 26, the priority is to have him fit and firing for the biggest fixture on the Spanish calendar. 

In his press conference before the Real Sociedadclash in La Liga, Alonso gave an encouraging update on the midfielder’s progress: "I want to be a little optimistic and hope he's ready before October. He's doing partial, non-contact training, but Jude is making a great effort in his recovery. Let's see if he can take steps forward next week, and when we feel good, we'll be waiting for him."

The Englishman will miss Madrid’s upcoming clash against Real Sociedad this weekend, but his rehabilitation continues to progress positively. The target remains for him to be available in time for the El Clasico showdown with Barcelona, though Madrid will prioritise his long-term fitness over rushing him back.