Real Madrid reach verdict on Bellingham following secret friendly

The England star often wore NFL-style padding on his shoulder and, after being targeted by opponents, 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 July 17 and was initially expected to be sidelined for three months.

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

Still, there’s a sense that Real may have brought him back prematurely, prompting Xabi Alonso to bench him for matches against Kairat Almaty and Villarreal.

Excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, Bellingham has been focused on regaining peak fitness, with MARCA tracking his progress.

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

The outlet added that “no one in Valdebebas doubts that the Bellingham of 23-24 will return”, and in a training session against Castilla, he reportedly “shone once again”.

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

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

Bellingham thrived in various 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 campaign on Sunday with an away fixture against Getafe, and Bellingham will be eager to make his mark once again.