As reported by ESPN, Jude Bellingham features in Real Madrid’s 23-man squad for their opening UEFA Champions League game against Marseille tonight.
This comes as such a big shock to the supporters of the club, as no one expected to see the England star back so soon.
The 22-year-old hasn’t played since July, when he had surgery on a nagging shoulder injury.
The England international underwent shoulder surgery in July and has not featured this season because it was initially expected to rule her out for four months.
His injury has been a bother since 2023, bothering him for a year.
Yet, Jude Bellingham has surpassed all medical prognoses.
The young player has proven again how hard he worked to regain fitness, something that has impressed everyone in the club.
This could not have come at a better time for Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign.
It is the perfect moment because Real Madrid launches its Champions League campaign on Tuesday night.
The club boasts of this competition more than any other because it holds the record number of wins.
Getting your star midfielder back is equivalent to a fresh signing at a perfect time.
Moreover, the timing becomes very close when one looks at Real Madrid’s forthcoming schedule.
After meeting Marseille, they will be playing Espanyol at home this weekend and then head into the major Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.
These are the games where Bellingham can make the biggest difference for his team.
Last season was quite magical for the English midfielder in what was his very first debut year at Real Madrid.
In one season with Bellingham, he became the top scorer in the league for the club, helped them win the league title and the Champions League, and won La Liga Player of the Season.
Not to mention, fans got caught up in his ability and energy immediately, which makes his absence that much more profound this season.
So far, Real Madrid has proceeded very well this season without their main superstar.
They maintain a perfect streak of winning three La Liga games and strong confidence from the team.
The whole world recognizes that their chances with a fully fit Bellingham would have improved domestically and in Europe.
To the medical team at Real Madrid, huge thumbs have to be given for how they have managed his recovery process.
They have really been very careful in rehabilitating him while making sure that no one rushed him into playing too quickly.
The doctors were satisfied that the shoulder had healed before actually putting him back into training normally.
Manager Xabi Alonso is now faced with an excellent dilemma as his squad is getting stronger week after week. Other injured players are gradually recovering their full fitness.
Everyone can be called upon by the team that was struggling with injuries last season to give their all for this crucial stretch of the campaign.
Bellingham has been doing so well in the Champions League since joining Real Madrid.
He has already become the first player to score in his first four Champions League appearances for Real Madrid last season.
He loves to show his quality in the Champions League and especially when Madrid is playing at the Bernabeu.
Even if he does not start against Marseille on Tuesday night, just being in the squad represents huge news.
This means he is near 100% fit and ready to play. He might even make it off the bench if Real Madrid is winning comfortably against the French side.
Careful management on the part of the club has ensured his return to competitive action, and they are taking no chances on such an important player for the future.
His match fitness will improve as he gets a few minutes here and there before progressing to complete games.
Every Real Madrid fan across the globe is celebrating on social media.
The energy and technical ability he brings to the pitch see him add something special to every game in which he plays.
Other players raise their game significantly, positively affecting the whole team, when he is present on the pitch with them.
The England national team will also be delighted to have their star midfielder playing again.
They do need their best players to be fit and well for their next international.
Bellingham is almost certainly going to be one of the first names on the team sheet for his country, so his return to fitness is great news for England as well.
This announcement, however, further brightens the outlook for Real Madrid this season, a season that was already looking promising.
They have made an impressive start to La Liga and seem well poised to embark on yet another serious campaign with Champions League clubs.
Everything looks even brighter for the Spanish giants with Bellingham coming back ahead of schedule.
Tuesday night against Marseille could be just the start of something significant this season.
Real Madrid with a fit and healthy Bellingham should scare their opponents across all competitions. Finally, the superstar returned where he belonged.
Mentioned in the News Story
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