Jude Bellingham emotional following injury setback at Real Madrid, described as ‘a significant loss’
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged that Jude Bellingham is “a significant loss” following the midfielder’s substitution just 10 minutes into Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, attributed to what sources informed ESPN was a left hamstring injury.
Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in the 100th minute to secure three points for Madrid in LaLiga after a challenging match that saw Rayo’s Jorge de Frutos equalize following Vinícius Júnior’s early strike, before the visitors had two players dismissed.
The Bernabéu crowd expressed their discontent with whistles directed at the team before the match and again during a difficult second half, following Madrid’s midweek loss to Benfica in the Champions League.
“We don’t have any updates on Jude yet,” Arbeloa stated in his post-match press conference when questioned about Bellingham’s injury.
The England international fell to the ground clutching his thigh after pursuing a ball down the right flank while the score was still level, and after receiving support from teammates, he limped off the field, appearing visibly distressed and wiping away tears as he was substituted by Brahim Díaz.
“[Bellingham] has put in a tremendous effort in every match since I arrived,” Arbeloa remarked. “It’s a very significant loss, but we possess an exceptional squad.”
Sources informed ESPN that Bellingham will undergo examinations to assess the severity of the injury.
The 22-year-old’s injury could pose a considerable concern for England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of upcoming friendlies at Wembley against Uruguay and Japan next month.
Bellingham was among the players, along with Vinícius, who faced whistles from some fans prior to the match as their names were announced over the stadium’s loudspeakers.
Bellingham has experienced an injury-plagued season, having missed the initial part of the campaign due to shoulder surgery last summer.
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“I have respect for the Bernabéu crowd, and I will always seek their support,” Arbeloa commented when addressing the whistles.
Arbeloa maintained that Madrid had not been fortunate to receive nine minutes of added time at the conclusion of the second half, with their winning penalty awarded in the 98th minute, and Mbappé scoring two minutes later.
“It could have been more,” Arbeloa noted. “Every time visiting teams take a goal kick here, it consumes a minute.”
The coach conceded that his team needs to demonstrate greater consistency following a challenging beginning to his tenure.
“I’m not Gandalf the White,” Arbeloa remarked, referencing the fictional wizard. “What I am achieving is what I desired from my players: commitment and effort.”
Information from PA was utilized in this report.
