Eduardo Camavinga also included in the 23-man squad
Jude Bellingham has been included in Real Madrid’s squad for their Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, suggesting an early return to action.
The England international has not featured since having a surgery in July to repair a long-standing injury in his shoulder.
The issue, which dated back to November 2023, forced Bellingham to play with a shoulder brace for two years before finally opting for surgery shortly after Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign ended.
Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said last week he was “hopeful” Bellingham would be back before October, confirming that the midfielder had resumed partial training with the group, albeit without contact.
Bellingham had initially been expected to miss between 10-12 weeks, placing his return in October, but his inclusion in the squad against Marseille suggests he could indeed be eased back this month.
The 22-year-old played has been a key figure in Madrid’s midfield since he arrived at the club in the summer of 2023, winning La Liga player of the year the following season.
The club have felt his absence so far, with Alonso reshuffling his midfield options as Eduardo Camavinga also recovered from an ankle problem. The French midfielder has also returned to training and was included alongside Bellingham in Tuesday’s 23-man squad.
