Xabi Alonso Optimistic About Jude Bellingham’s Return

Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, remains cautiously optimistic that midfielder Jude Bellingham may be able to return to the pitch before October as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.

Bellingham’s Recovery Process

The 22-year-old player has been unavailable since July when he underwent surgery to correct an ongoing left shoulder issue that had troubled him for an extended period. This ailment forced him to endure discomfort while playing for both club and country throughout 2023.

Alonso expressed in a press conference, “I want to be a bit optimistic and hope he can be back before October. He is starting to do some things with the group. He has made a great effort in his recovery, and he is feeling very well.” This statement comes as the team gears up to face Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Bellingham joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund two years ago and opted for surgery following the Club World Cup in the U.S., reaching his limit with the nagging injury. Reflecting on his situation, he stated in June, “I was sick of playing with the sling,” after frequently donning shoulder tape during matches.

The initial onset of his injury occurred during a match against Rayo Vallecano, which led to him missing two games for both Real Madrid and the England national team toward the end of 2023.

Impact on Real Madrid

His possible return would be a significant enhancement for the LaLiga leaders, who currently share the top spot with Athletic Bilbao after winning all three matches in their opening games.

Following a two-week international break, Alonso is pleased with his squad’s overall condition as they prepare for a challenging period that includes their Champions League debut against Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday.

“The most important thing is that everyone has come back healthy, and we haven’t experienced any injury issues,” he stated, as he aims to keep their perfect start intact at the tough Anoeta stadium.

Upcoming Challenges

“Every match is crucial, both in LaLiga and the Champions League, and these points could prove crucial over time. We need to learn how to approach each game and focus on our preparation,” Alonso added.

“During these international breaks, we aim to set short-term goals that will carry us through April and May. Maintaining focus is vital, and we must organize our thoughts by allocating goals and minutes effectively.”