The scale of Jude Bellingham’s shoulder surgery last month has been made clear after a picture of the Real Madrid star’s scar circulated on social media.
Bellingham underwent a successful operation in London three weeks ago to deal with a problem that has been suffering with since November 2023.
The Englishman fell awkwardly and dislocated it during a LaLiga match against Rayo Vallecano.
He delayed going under the knife and was forced to play with his shoulder heavily strapped to prevent extra injury – and told reporters earlier this summer that he was ‘tired of playing with the sling’.
It is understood that Bellingham will have to wait until at least mid-October to fully recover and be ready to play again.
He has been seen in a sling since the procedure but fans have now been given a first look at his huge scar after he posed for a photo in a vest with two girls.
Jude Bellingham’s scar from surgery on his left shoulder has been seen for the first time
The Real Madrid star underwent an operation in London three weeks ago to fix the problem
In the photo the scar can be seen running up most of the 22-year-old’s shoulder.
Posting on Instagram after the surgery, Bellingham wrote: ‘thank you to Andrew Wallace and Susan Alexander, their team and everyone at Fortius Clinic for the surgery and hospitality.
‘To Ivan Ortega and Dr Leyes for travelling to support. And finally, to everyone else for all the well wishes and messages of love. The process to come back has already started, see you soon.’
The expected rehabilitation time is around three months if all goes well, possibly stretching to four.
If the latter reality unfolds, Bellingham may be out until as late as November.
Thus, he is set to miss at least the first eight matches of La Liga, first two Champions League games, and likely the first two international breaks in September and October.
His possible return game could be when Madrid face Getafe in the league on October 19 after the international break.
Post-surgery, Bellingham will spend a minimum of one month with his shoulder stabilised and his arm secured in a sling to aid the healing process.
Bellingham is expected to be out of action for a number of months as he recovers from surgery
Bellingham played in all six of Madrid’s Club World Cup matches this summer, helping his side reach the semi-finals by contributing a goal and an assist along the way.
Last season, the England international scored 14 goals and provided as many assists in all competitions for his club.
His domestic performances saw him earn a spot in LaLiga’s Team of the Season for the second year running, having also won Player of the Season after his first term in Spain.
