Bellingham to miss Real Madrid vs Valencia with shoulder injury

Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Valencia on Saturday due to a shoulder injury.

The 20-year-old midfielder suffered a dislocated shoulder after an awkward fall early on in Sunday’s goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano. He was able to play the full match, but was an unused substitute during Wednesday’s Champions League group stage victory over Braga.

Carlo Ancelotti had said during Friday’s pre-match press conference that he expected Bellingham to be available for Saturday’s fixture, but following assessments the club confirmed he will not play.

A Real Madrid statement read: “After the tests carried out today on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with anterior instability of his left shoulder, a consequence of his recent dislocation. Bellingham is out for today’s match against Valencia.”

Bellingham was selected in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Bellingham will still report for England duty to be assessed but does not expect him to feature for Southgate’s side.

“Yes, he is going to England, but to be assessed,” Ancelotti said. “If he can’t play today, he can’t play for England. He has to do specific work to strengthen his shoulder and he will do that in the next few weeks. I think he will be able to come back after the break.”

England have already booked their place at next summer’s tournament in Germany following October’s victory over Italy and it remains to be seen whether Bellingham will now report as planned or not.

Fellow midfielder James Maddison has already been forced to withdraw from the squad due to an ankle injury.

Following Saturday’s fixture against Valencia, Madrid are next in action on November 26 against Cadiz.