Big blow - Real Madrid without Bellingham for at least another two months

Jude Bellingham’s comeback is looking increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting the Real Madrid star may not return until April. According to Onda Cero journalist Alberto Pereiro, the midfielder is still struggling with pain from the hamstring injury he picked up against Rayo Vallecano, and his recovery has stalled.

Early estimates suggested Bellingham would be sidelined for about a month, but his slow progress has pushed that timeline closer to two months. If that projection proves accurate, he could even miss the Champions League Round of 16, should Madrid advance past Benfica in the Round of 32.

In the meantime, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are expected to shoulder the midfield responsibilities. Madrid’s medical staff are known for their cautious approach with hamstring issues—particularly involving the semitendinosus muscle, which plays a key role in explosive movement and is prone to re-injury.

A mid-April return would rule Bellingham out of a demanding run of fixtures that could shape Real Madrid’s season both domestically and in Europe. He would likely miss crucial La Liga clashes against Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Getafe, Celta Vigo and Elche, with the standout absence being the Madrid derby against Atletico—a potentially decisive match in the title race.

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The setback would not be limited to La Liga. Bellingham is expected to be ruled out of the Champions League playoff against Benfica, and even if Madrid scrape through, he could miss the round of 16—where a heavyweight showdown with Manchester City or Sporting CP could await.