JUDE BELLINGHAM is reportedly set to have surgery a long-standing shoulder problem after playing through 18 months of pain.
The Real Madrid star has allegedly avoided going under the knife after dislocating his shoulder a year and a half ago.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, “everything points to Bellingham having surgery on his shoulder” this summer.
The 21-year-old star fell awkwardly during a clash with Rayo Vallecano in November 2023.
He was forced to miss Los Blancos’ next two matches, while also being absent for England’s final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Since, Bellingham has been playing with his shoulder heavily strapped to avoid aggravating the injury.
There were suggestions that the England international would have the surgery after Euro 2024.
But with the Three Lions reaching the final against Spain, there was little in the way of a break before the new LaLiga campaign.
Bellingham also missed the first few weeks of this term, after picking up a muscle injury to his lower right leg in pre-season.
But the midfielder could again run out of time this summer too, with Madrid playing in the Fifa Club World Cup.
The tournament begins on June 14 and if Madrid make the final, that takes place a month later on July 13.
Bellingham has faced criticism from Madrid fans in recent weeks.
The midfielder was blamed for making a mistake for Barcelona’s opening goal in Madrid’s 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat.
He gave the ball away on the half-way line – with his pass intercepted by Barca star and goalscorer Pedri.
The Birmingham starlet was later sent off for dissent in the final moments of the match, before it was later overturned a few days later.
Madrid remain four points behind Barca in LaLiga, with four games remaining.
The two giants face each other in an all-or-nothing El Clasico on Sunday night.
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