Real Madrid had double cause for celebration on Saturday, as the Spanish heavyweights welcomed the return of England superstar Jude Bellingham to the pitch after he spent over two months on the sidelines. Madrid had already sealed the victory by the time Bellingham was brought on as a substitute in the 89th minute to a rapturous reception from the Bernabeu.
Bellingham boost for Madrid
Madrid cruised to their fifth successive La Liga win of the 2025-26 season following a 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Saturday. On one hand, the match began with an honorary ceremonial kick-off by Abderrahim Ouhida, a Real Madrid fan who lost his entire family in the tragic Morocco earthquake in 2023. On the other hand, meanwhile, the match ended with the much-awaited return of Bellingham from a long injury lay-off.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhy was Bellingham away?
Bellingham spent the majority of the 2023-24 season and the entirety of the 2024-25 season in pain, having suffered a dislocation on his left shoulder. The 22-year-old was forced to wear uncomfortable shoulder strapping, but finally decided to get an operation done on it in July, immediately after Madrid's Club World Cup campaign came to a close in the semi-finals.
An early return
At first, it was reported that he would not return until the end of October. However, the midfielder has made an early return from injury, being named in the Champions League matchday squad for the Marseille clash. Although he didn't get any minutes on Tuesday, he was brought on by Xabi Alonso in the 89th minute on Saturday along with Eduardo Camavinga, another midfielder making a long-awaited return.
Getty Images SportWill Bellingham start in Madrid's next game?
The fact that he was brought on right at the stroke of 90 on Saturday perhaps indicates that Bellingham will be eased back into the action before being handed a start. The expectation will be for him to come on as a substitute once again in midweek against Levante, before starting in the all-important derby against Atletico Madrid next weekend.