Jude Bellingham Urged to Follow $3m LeBron James Rule amid Surgery Recovery

Jude Bellingham has been urged to follow a $3m LeBron James rule as he continues his recovery from surgery.

The Real Madrid midfielder underwent surgery on his shoulder during the summer after the Club World Cup and is now working his way back to fitness.

Bellingham made his first start of the season on Saturday, playing 70 minutes in a disappointing 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid. Although the Englishman was far from his best, Xabi Alonso will not be overly concerned, with Bellingham still building his sharpness.

Alonso's side will now have to prepare for their Champions League clash on Tuesday night. Madrid's squad have travelled 4000 miles, an eight hour flight, to Kazakhstan for their meeting with FC Kairat.

For Alonso, it provides another opportunity to build Bellingham back to competitive action after his absence.

Jude Bellingham has returned for Real Madrid. Image: SOPA Images / Contributor via Getty

But one former trainer has issued a warning for the 22-year-old, urging him to put recovery at the top of his priorities.

Malick Scott, who worked with former boxing heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder told CanadaCasino how Bellingham can remain at the top of his game. He said: "Rest, to me, is just as important, if not more important, than working out, but it's very difficult to do.

"I'm explaining this from a fighting background, but it applies to all athletes across different sports. It's hard to rest because we're competitive; we got to where we are by working hard, and that's true.

"But when you're competing at your highest level, you're loading your body, which leads to quicker wear and tear. If you're dealing with wear and tear and not resting, and you're still working on top of an injury, it compounds the problem."

Scott pointed to NBA legend James as the prime example of a sportsman enjoying a long career, as he prepares for his 23rd season in the league.

LeBron James. Image: Harry How / Staff via Getty

"LeBron James spends $3 million per year on his recovery alone," Scott added.

"That's the most impressive thing about him because I never see LeBron look his age in his game.

"I might see his age in his hairline, but not in his performance. I believe this comes from his recovery. He invests in his body with rest and recovery.

"You see so many athletes with luxurious possessions, but when you look at their personal lives, are they investing in recovery?"

Bellingham has already played 280 club games and received 44 England caps at just 22.

If he wants to continue playing at the top level into his thirties, then Bellingham will have to prioritise his recovery.