Real Madrid to implement special plan to reduce injury risk for key superstar - Reports
Real Madrid are working on a special plan to help protect Jude Bellingham from further injuries, according to Cadena SER. The Englishman is currently sidelined with a muscle issue and is not expected to return until later this month.
Bellingham has been a revelation since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu last summer from Borussia Dortmund. Los Blancos paid €103m for the 21-year-old, and their decision to break the bank for the player immediately paid off.
Bellingham was very quick off the blocks last season, establishing himself as one of Carlo Ancelotti's key men. He finished the campaign with 23 goals and 13 assists from 42 games across competitions, helping the La Liga giants win the league and the Champions League.
However, Bellingham has had a troubled start to the new campaign, registering one assist from two games so far. He picked up a knock at the end of last month and hasn't played since.
Real Madrid are aware that the player hasn't been in his element this season, and believe this could be the result of a strenuous debut campaign. Los Blancos want to address the situation and help the player get back to his scintillating best as soon as possible.
The La Liga giants are planning to prepare a detailed program to ensure Bellingham isn't overburdened. They want to balance his game time so that he gets adequate rest and remains fit for the rest of the season.
Real Madrid are amid a vital campaign, where they are competing in seven tournaments. Los Blancos have already won the UEFA Supercup and are also involved in La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup and Supercopa de Espana. As such, they are desperate to have the 21-year-old back firing on all cylinders as soon as possible.
Will Jude Bellingham be decisive for Real Madrid this season?
Real Madrid bolstered their squad over the summer by roping in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick. The French superstar was a long-term target for Los Blancos and completed a Bosman move to the Santiago Bernabeu after the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Mbappe's arrival could directly affect Bellingham's attacking output, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to make a tactical shift to accommodate both players. However, the 21-year-old remains a key figure for the Italian manager and is likely to be drafted back into the team as soon as he gets fit.