Real Madrid’s season so far has revolved around Jude Bellingham. The English star’s unreal start to life in Spain has been pivotal in Los Blancos’ run across all competitions, including the recent win in El Clasico.

Unfortunately for the youngster, he suffered a blow to his shoulder in Real Madrid’s clash against Rayo Vallecano.

He did battle on for the rest of the game, but subsequent tests revealed a dislocated shoulder and he was advised to rest and recuperate.

Bellingham thus did not participate in the Merengues’ games against Braga or Valencia out of precaution.

Heading into the international break, it seemed to be accepted in Madrid that the player would rest the two weeks and return after the hiatus.

The Three Lions refuse

The English national team refused to leave Bellingham out of the squad, for he is a critical part of their plans too. They insisted on having their own medical team evaluate his situation, and thereby his availability.

Yesterday, the English FA released three players after confirming their injuries but Bellingham was not one of them. 

Despite identifying his lesion, the Three Lions opted to keep the Real Madrid star in the mix even though he is unlikely to be ready for their upcoming game according to reports from AS.

Bellingham will thus likely not feature against Malta later this week, but England hope he will be ready to face North Macedonia on Monday.

Real Madrid are helpless

The update comes as a big blow to Real Madrid, who would have hoped their star could rest in these two weeks.

Yet, they are helpless for FIFA rules that England can keep him unless it is a ‘clearly incapacitating injury for both matches’.

With the shoulder injury not being seriously debilitating enough to warrant immediate exclusion, all Los Blancos can do is wait and watch.