Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to have shoulder surgery this summer after playing through pain for the last 18 months.
The Real Madrid midfielder has suffered with a shoulder problem since falling awkardly and dislocating it during a La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023.
The 21-year-old was subsuquently ruled out of two Madrid matches and also missed England’s final Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Bellingham has delayed going under the knife and been forced to play with his shoulder heavily strapped to prevent extra injury.
He is finally set to undergo surgery this summer, according to Marca, who say ‘everything points to Bellingham having surgery on his shoulder’ at the end of the season.
A muscle injury to his lower right leg in pre-season kept the midfielder out of four matches in August and September, but he chose to avoid shoulder surgery last summer.
Bellingham is reportedly set to have shoulder surgery after playing through pain for 18 months
The 21-year-old England star has suffered with shoulder problems since dislocating it in 2023
The England international has delayed going under the knife since hurting his shoulder
Surgery could see Bellingham miss out on next month’s Club World Cup.
Los Blancos face Al Hilal, Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca in their opening fixtures as they look to secure a prize of up to £97m for winning the competition.
Bellingham has faced criticism from Madrid fans in recent weeks after suffering a slump in form.
He was sent off as Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final last month.
The England star was panned after giving the ball away on the half-way line, with his pass intercepted by Barcelona midfielder Pedri and eventually leading to a goal.
Instead of chasing down the ball, Bellingham stood for a moment with his head on his hands as his Spanish counterpart quickly distributed the ball to a team-mate.
The Real Madrid star has been forced to wear heavy strapping to prevent further damaging it
Meanwhile, Bellingham’s brother Jobe has been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund.
Jude’s former side have reportedly made the Sunderland midfielder a top transfer target for this summer.
Jude excelled after joining Dortmund from Birmingham aged 17, before moving to Madrid three years later.
Dortmund maintain a strong relationship with the Bellingham family and believe they can secure Jobe, 19, for £25m.
