Jude Bellingham injury: Real Madrid and England sweat over fitness of midfielder – ‘I’m very frustrated’ – Eurosport

“Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by Real Madrid’s medical team, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg,” the statement read.

The club added that Bellingham’s fitness would continue to be monitored.

Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti remained tight-lipped on the situation at his press conference on Friday morning, telling journalists “he’s (Bellingham) had a knock, they’re evaluating him”.

Bellingham later posted on social media, saying he was taking the positives from the “frustrating” setback.

“Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year,” Bellingham wrote.

“I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can rejoin them again in my best and strongest form. Thanks for your messages of concern and support.”

Madrid host Valladolid on Sunday before facing Las Palmas away from home on Thursday night. They host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next Sunday in their final game before the international break, with Bellingham expected to miss all three games.

Bellingham is now a doubt for Lee Carsley’s first game as interim manager of England against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin to kick off the new Nations League campaign.

England face Ireland on Sunday, September 7, before hosting Finland at Wembley on Tuesday, September 10.

Bellingham was a crucial part of the England team that reached the final of Euro 2024 in Germany this summer, scoring a last-minute overhead kick against Slovakia to send the game into extra-time before Harry Kane scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.

England would go on to lose the final 2-1 to Spain in Berlin. Gareth Southgate announced in the days following the game that he would step down from his position as England manager.