Real Madrid makes ruling on Bellingham after secret friendly match

The England star often wore NFL-style padding on his shoulder and after being targeted by opponents, he even took part in set pieces with one arm behind his back.

He competed in Euro 2024 and the Club World Cup while managing the injury, but ultimately underwent surgery on 17 July and was initially expected to be sidelined for three months.

The Birmingham City academy graduate returned earlier than expected and, after a couple of substitute appearances, started the 5-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the derby, playing 70 minutes.

Yet there is a feeling that Real brought him back prematurely, prompting Xabi Alonso to bench him for games against Kairat Almaty and Villarreal.

Bellingham has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad and has focused on regaining his top fitness, with MARCA monitoring his progress.

In a recent match against the U19 team, MARCA described Bellingham as “agile, dynamic, agile and, again, very close to scoring” and noted that he “reminded us of the player from his first year at Madrid”.

The outlet added that “no one in Valdebebas doubts that the 23-24 Bellingham will return,” and during training against Castilla he reportedly “shined again.”

The challenge now lies in recapturing the form that saw him register 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances, which earned him third place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

However, the report suggests that this is “something that Madrid believes is getting closer after almost two years of progress”.

Bellingham has flourished in a variety of roles under Carlo Ancelotti, but new manager Alonso has a different tactical approach that the 22-year-old must adapt to.

Real Madrid resume their season on Sunday with an away match against Getafe, and Bellingham will be keen to make his mark again.