Latest on Jude Bellingham’s injury: NFL shoulder pads, surgery plans for Real Madrid star

Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham face an important decision because of his persistent shoulder injury.

Bellingham’s sensational debut season in Madrid in 2023/24 culminated in a double triumph in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, with the English star scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

Despite winning a major trophy, the second half of the season was also marked by injuries, as Bellingham was regularly forced to continue playing despite the pain.

After suffering a shoulder injury in October, Bellingham regularly wore a protector under his shirt, including during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

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Bellingham was critical of the busy schedule of the 2024/25 season after a short summer break, and injuries have already played a role in his second season in Madrid.

Latest information on Jude Bellingham’s injury

Bellingham sustained a foot injury before Real Madrid’s third La Liga game of the season, which kept him out of action for three weeks and forced him to sit out England’s UEFA Nations League matches in September.

Carlo Ancelotti has since integrated him back into the team and used him from the start against VfB Stuttgart and Espanyol.

Does Jude Bellingham wear NFL shoulder pads?

Although he suffered no after-effects from his foot injury in the game against Espanyol, Ancelotti confirmed that his long-standing shoulder problem had recurred and required treatment on the pitch.

The Italian head coach claimed the problem had recurred and Bellingham is expected to have to wear protection in the coming weeks.

🚨 Jude Bellingham played in the final phase of the season despite severe pain in his shoulder. @Laser pic.twitter.com/OFTTsW0QWK

– JBZ Fan (@JBellinghamZone) June 5, 2024

The former Borussia Dortmund star wore NFL-style shoulder pads to protect his injury last season and the padding is expected to return to use in the coming weeks.

Does Jude Bellingham need surgery?

Ancelotti joined Bellingham and others in calling on UEFA and FIFA to address the bloated fixture list, saying he would rest his No.5 at times during the season.

Bellingham could start on the bench for their La Liga away game against Alaves on September 25.

According to reports from Spanish media outlet Marca, Bellingham is resisting calls for a rest as he rushes to regain full match fitness.

Real Madrid accepted Bellingham’s request not to undergo surgery in the summer, believing the problem had been resolved, but that option is now back on the table, even though it could potentially result in a prolonged absence from Ancelotti’s squad.