Real Madrid Reach Verdict on Jude Bellingham Following Secret Friendly

Real Madrid have made their mind up Jude Bellingham as he closes in on full fitness following surgery on his shoulder.

Bellingham, an £88.5 million signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, injured his left shoulder vs Rayo Vallecano but put off surgery and despite a brief period on the sidelines, proceeded to play through the pain.

The England international regularly sported NFL-style armour on his shoulder and after being targeted by some players, even challenged with one arm behind his back in some set pieces.

He played through Euro 2024 and the Club World Cup with the issue, but finally on July 17, he underwent surgery and was initially poised to be out for three months.

Bellingham has been struggling with a long-term shoulder problem. Image: Getty

The Birmingham City academy product returned ahead of schedule and after a couple of cameos, started the 5-2 derby demolition to Atletico Madrid and played 70 minutes.

However, there is the feeling that Real may have rushed him back a bit too soon and Xabi Alonso put him on the bench for games against Kairat Almaty and Villarreal.

Spanish media give Bellingham react

Left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the latest camp, Bellingham has been working hard on his fitness and MARCA have been reporting on how he has been performing.

In a recent game vs the U19 side, MARCA described Bellingham "agile, dynamic, agile, and, once again, very close to scoring" and said he "reminded us of the player from his first year at Madrid".

It states that "no one in Valdebebas doubts that the Bellingham of 23-24 will return" and in a training game against the Castilla outfit, Bellingham is said to have "shone once again".

Bellingham underwent shoulder surgery after putting it off. Image: Getty

The difficulty is now getting Bellingham to replicate that form, which saw him score 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games as he finished third in the Ballon d'Or.

But the report notes this is "something that Madrid sees as getting closer after almost two years of progress".

Bellingham played in multiple positions to a high level under Carlo Ancelotti but his successor Alonso has different ideas and principles which the 22-year-old must buy into.

Real return to action on Sunday with a trip to Getafe, with Bellingham hoping to get back on track.