Fresh images circulating on social media have revealed the extent of Jude Bellingham's shoulder surgery, displaying a substantial scar running down his left shoulder.
The 22-year-old Real Madrid and England star underwent the procedure at a London medical facility three weeks ago.
The photographs, which emerged recently, show the midfielder without his protective sling for the first time since the operation.
The visible scarring indicates the significant nature of the surgical intervention required to address his persistent shoulder problems.
🚨 Jude Bellingham's post-surgery scar after shoulder surgery. pic.twitter.com/YwPiFWhC7E
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 3, 2025
Bellingham has been recuperating in England since the procedure, with recent sightings of him walking around London suggesting steady progress in his recovery.
The midfielder took to Instagram following his July 16 procedure to express gratitude to his medical team.
"Thank you to Andrew Wallace and Susan Alexander, their team and everyone at Fortius Clinic for the surgery and hospitality," he wrote, also acknowledging Ivan Ortega and Dr Leyes for their support.
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The operation addressed an injury that had plagued Bellingham since 2023.
Rather than seeking immediate treatment, the England international persevered through the discomfort for nearly two years, relying on protective strapping during matches.
The decision to finally undergo surgery came after the pain became increasingly difficult to manage, despite his attempts to play through it with supportive bracing.
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Medical professionals anticipate a recovery period spanning 10 to 12 weeks, ruling Bellingham out until October.
This extended absence means he'll miss Real Madrid's opening fixtures of the 2025-26 campaign and be unavailable for England's World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra and Serbia scheduled for September.
The timeline suggests approximately three months of rehabilitation before the midfielder can return to competitive action.
Jude Bellingham is hoping to be back in action by October
|Getty
His enforced break comes at a crucial juncture, with both club and country facing important fixtures without one of their key players during the early stages of the new season.
Real Madrid's medical team are targeting late October for Bellingham's comeback, with the October 26 clash against Barcelona emerging as a potential return date.
The highly anticipated El Clásico would mark an ideal opportunity for the midfielder to make his season debut under manager Xabi Alonso.
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During Bellingham's absence, Real Madrid can rely on considerable depth in attacking midfield positions.
Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler and recent acquisition Franco Mastantuono provide Alonso with multiple options to fill the void left by the England international.
Despite losing a player who has made a significant impact since his 2023 arrival from Borussia Dortmund, the Spanish champions appear well-equipped to cope without him.