Bellingham to miss start of LaLiga after shoulder operation

Jude Bellingham is expected to miss the start of Real Madrid's upcoming season after undergoing a shoulder operation.

Madrid confirmed that Bellingham was set for a spell on the sidelines on Wednesday, and though they did not specify the length of his recovery, Spanish media believe it will take around 12 weeks.

Bellingham has struggled with discomfort in his shoulder since November 2023, when he dislocated it during a LaLiga match, and has played with a brace under his shirt since then.

He opted to hold off the operation until after the Club World Cup in order to feature for Madrid, with Xabi Alonso's side knocked out in the semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain.

Bellingham has made 100 appearances in all competitions for Madrid since his switch from Borussia Dortmund, bringing up his landmark appearance against PSG last time out.

He has only failed to start four of those matches and has scored 38 goals and provided 27 assists for Los Blancos since his debut season in 2023-24.

Since his debut season, Bellingham has missed just 17 LaLiga matches for Madrid (played 59), who have lost only once without him in the team (W13 D3).

Madrid have averaged more goals (2.4 to 2.1) without him in the squad and have conceded fewer goals on average (0.7 to 0.9) when he has not played. Their winning percentage is also higher at 76.5% (71.2% with him).

Bellingham is expected to be back for the first Clasico of the season against Barcelona in late October, though he is likely to miss their clash with Atletico Madrid on September 28.