LONDON, February 2, 2024 — Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is in a “race against time” to be fit for England’s upcoming international friendlies, his club manager Thomas Tuchel revealed Thursday, raising concerns about a potential setback in the star’s recovery from a hamstring injury.
Bellingham’s Fitness in Doubt for March Friendlies
The England international suffered the injury during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on February 1.
- Bellingham sustained a hamstring injury playing for Real Madrid on February 1.
- Initial reports suggested a month-long absence, but Tuchel indicated the recovery timeline is now uncertain.
- England face Uruguay and Japan at Wembley on March 27 and 31, respectively.
- Tuchel remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges it’s a tight timeframe for Bellingham’s return.
Bellingham was forced off the pitch after just 10 minutes of Real Madrid’s 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano, visibly distressed as he left the field. Initial assessments suggested he would be sidelined for approximately a month, but Tuchel offered a more guarded prognosis during Thursday’s UEFA Nations League draw.
“The club is a bit more defensive on the outlook regarding the weeks of his recovery,” Tuchel said. “Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is determined and super professional. He will try everything to be with us in March. Of course we are in contact, that is a normal thing to do, and we wish him all the best… Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It is a little race against time.”
England’s Preparations Continue
England is scheduled to play Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31, both matches taking place at Wembley Stadium, as part of their preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup. The uncertainty surrounding Bellingham’s availability adds a layer of complexity to manager Gareth Southgate’s planning.
Tuchel expressed a degree of optimism, stating, “Personally, I am optimistic [about Bellingham’s fitness]. But I am not sure.”
Bellingham last represented England in November, playing 25 minutes as a substitute against Serbia and 84 minutes against Albania. He has faced competition for a starting role from Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, among others.
The 20-year-old previously experienced an injury layoff earlier this season while recovering from shoulder surgery, but has still made 18 appearances in LaLiga for Real Madrid this campaign.
