Jude Bellingham is set to miss the next month of action after picking up an injury in training, according to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The 21-year-old had a busy summer, helping England reach the Euro 2024 final but ultimately losing out to Spain, where he plays his regular season football.
And after featuring in the opening-day draw against Mallorca, Bellingham will now sit out for the next few Los Blancos games, and will likely miss his upcoming England duties.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti said: “Bellingham had a blow, he is being assessed.”
Bellingham played most of the UEFA Super Cup win against Atalanta and the opening game of La Liga season.
He made 42 appearances across all competitions last term but will not be available to help his side put in a strong start to their title defence.
🚨⚪️ Jude Bellingham suffers plantar fasciitis injury in his right leg.
Real Madrid expect Bellingham to be back after the international break in late September. pic.twitter.com/rmv2mp045T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2024
Instead, Kylian Mbappe will take the spotlight, marking his first appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu in white.
Ancelotti added: “It was a pretty clear game to evaluate, we lacked balance, it’s not very complicated. There is a clear solution.
“With such an attacking team, the forwards have to work a bit harder. We have tried to fix it with a lot of work this week.”
“It’s going to be a beautiful day for Mbappe, playing for the first time at the Bernabeu wearing Real’s jersey… The fans are going to enjoy it a lot, I’m sure of that.”
Madrid face Real Valladolid in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
