Jude Bellingham set to miss start of 2025-26 season as Real Madrid pencil star midfielder in for surgery after Club World Cup

Per The Athletic, Madrid have decided that Bellingham will go under the knife after the Club World Cup to fix a persistent shoulder problem that has existed since 2023. Following the surgery, it will take at least 12 weeks for the England international to fully recover, which means he will miss the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

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Bellingham dislocated his left shoulder during a clash against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023 and subsequently missed the next four matches for club and country. The busy calendar since then has prevented Bellingham from undergoing surgery, however, the medical team at Real feel that he must now undergo the procedure to avoid further damage to his shoulder.

Marca have reported that Madrid are concerned about the English star's sudden dip in form and have conducted several meetings to uncover the reason behind it. After an incredible debut campaign in Spain, Bellingham has posted more modest numbers of 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season.

Carlo Ancelotti will manage Real Madrid one last time this Saturday as his side face Real Sociedad in their final La Liga clash at home, with Bellingham likely to feature.