Jude Bellingham injury update given as England star leaves pitch in tears

Jude Bellingham was forced off with a hamstring injury after just eight minutes of Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday as fears emerge over his fitness for the World Cup

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has admitted he remains unsure over the extent of Jude Bellingham’s injury as concerns mount that the midfielder could be ruled out of the World Cup. The England sensation went down clutching his left hamstring just eight minutes into Sunday’s home fixture against Rayo Vallecano.

The 22-year-old was visibly distraught as he made his way down the tunnel, raising alarm bells over a potentially serious setback that could jeopardise his World Cup involvement with England. When pressed for details after the match, Arbeloa remained tight-lipped.

“We still don’t know anything about Bellingham,” Arbeloa revealed during his press conference. The midfielder looks certain to sit out Real’s upcoming encounter with Valencia next Sunday.

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Bellingham’s substitute, Brahim Diaz, proved instrumental in giving Real an early advantage by setting up Vinicius Junior. However, Vallecano responded after the interval and looked poised to secure a valuable point.

Despite being reduced to 10 men in the closing stages, the away side heartbreakingly surrendered a penalty deep into the eighth minute of added time. Kylian Mbappe stepped up to convert with composure, crushing Vallecano’s hopes. The visitors later had a second player sent off deep in injury time.

“The players have made a great effort,” Arbeloa continued. “We have many things to work on. Now without matches entering the week we will do it. It has been a victory of soul.”

Regarding the less than convincing victory, the Spaniard admitted: “We need to improve with and without the ball. I repeat a lot that the ideal team is the one in which everyone thinks in the same way. We’re going to have plenty of time to instil this in the next two weeks.”

Real Madrid are now just a point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, but the day was overshadowed by Bellingham’s injury. With England’s final two friendlies before the World Cup only eight weeks away, and Arbeloa’s side facing a crucial run of games that could determine his future as manager, the timing is far from ideal.

After dropping out of the Champions League top eight on Wednesday, Real Madrid will face Benfica in the play-offs. Interestingly, it was Benfica who shocked the 15-time European champions with a 4-2 win earlier this week to secure their own play-off spot.

These matches are scheduled to take place later this month.