Both players could be back in action before October
Xabi Alonso says he is “a little optimistic” that Jude Bellingham could return to the squad before October, after the midfielder returned to partial training with Real Madrid ahead of schedule.
Bellingham had surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury after Madrid’s elimination from the Club World Cup in July. He was initially expected to miss up to three months, but the England international has already resumed light work with the squad at Valdebebas.
“I want to be a little optimistic, and hope that he’ll be back before October,” said Alonso. “He’s started to do some things with the group, without contact because we still have to protect the shoulder. But Jude has made a great effort in his recovery.
“He feels very good. He’ll not be with the squad tomorrow, but let’s see if next week he can take steps forward, he can train more normally like any other player. When we feel good, we’ll be waiting for him.”
Alonso also provided an update on the fitness of Eduardo Camavinga, who has yet to feature this season after picking up an injury to his right ankle ten days ahead of Madrid’s opening league fixture.
Club staff are particularly reluctant to accelerate the Frenchman’s return, mindful of the series of setbacks that affected him last season.
“Eduardo is on a similar timeline to Jude,” said Alonso. “He’s already training with the group, he can do almost everything. He could be back in the squad soon if there are no setbacks. He’s been given the all-clear by the doctors.”
