Real Madrid News
Norway talisman heaps praise on Jude Bellingham after World Cup quarterfinal clash: ‘Real Madrid and England are lucky’
Jude Bellingham is rewriting the history books with his FIFA World Cup campaign, and he is even a strong contender for the Golden Ball at this point in time.
Taking to the field against Norway in England’s quarterfinal tie last night, the English midfielder produced his second consecutive brace to put his side through with little help from his teammates.
Both goals arrived as moments of perfect positioning and great finishing acumen, as his side eliminated Erling Haaland’s Norway after a gruelling clash.
Haaland’s praise for Bellingham
Speaking to the media via Fabrizio Romano after his team’s heartbreaking elimination from the competition, Norway’s talisman Erling Haaland had nothing but praise and respect for Jude Bellingham who almost single-handedly decided the result.
“Real Madrid and England are lucky to have Jude Bellingham,” he said.
Defending the Real Madrid midfielder from the criticism he receives, Haaland said,
“Sometimes they criticize Jude Bellingham for not scoring enough goals, but he does not deserve that criticism.”
“He’s a midfielder, and yet he still scores, goes forward, dribbles. He’s world class.”
He then indirectly hinted at how he would like to play with the midfielder in the future and how Bellingham is a game-changer in any team he plays for.
“Everyone wants Jude Bellingham on their team.”
Finally, he heaped praise of the highest order on the Real Madrid star, saying,
“He’s one of the best players in the world.”
Cleared of his sanctions
Not only did Bellingham score two goals last night to put England through, but he also did so without being booked in what comes as a massive boost for Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
The player, after all, was just one booking away from missing the potential semifinal and had to play with great caution throughout the game.
Being England’s best player in the tournament by some distance, not having the player for the semifinal would have been a massive blow for England’s chances.
Now, however, the player has escaped and will feature when his side battle it out for a place in the final. Further, his yellow cards will be cleared after the semifinal, meaning he will be eligible to play in the final even if booked in the next game.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
