Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that Jude Bellingham 'cannot play for England' due to the shoulder problem that ruled him out of Saturday's La Liga clash with Valencia.
The 20-year-old initially suffered a shoulder issue against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga last weekend, and he was not risked against Braga in the Champions League during the week.
Bellingham had been expected to return against Valencia on Saturday, but the club then revealed that he would be absent due to "anterior instability of the left shoulder".
As it stands, the midfielder will link up with England for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualification matches with Malta and North Macedonia, but Ancelotti is expecting him to quickly withdraw from the squad once the Three Lions medical team have conducted their own medical tests.
"He will go to be evaluated but I expect him back [in Spain] again quickly," Ancelotti told reporters after his side's 5-1 win over Valencia in Spain's top flight.
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"If he didn't play today, he can't play with England. He has to do specific work to strengthen his shoulder and he will do that in the coming weeks. After the international break I think he will be able to play again."
England have already secured qualification for Euro 2024 ahead of their final two games against Malta and North Macedonia on November 17 and November 20 respectively.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are due back in action against Cadiz on November 26, with Bellingham potentially making his return in that fixture.
Dani Carvajal opened the scoring against Valencia on Saturday, before Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo both netted braces in a strong performance from the capital outfit, who are still second in the table, two points behind the leaders Girona.
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"This was their best level (Vinicius and Rodrygo), they just needed time to get back to showing their best qualities. In the last two games they've done it very well, finding spaces and playing with extraordinary quality. We can say that they have returned," Ancelotti added during his post-match press conference.
"Was it the best performance? Yes. Valencia haven't shown their best because we played a very good game, the first 15 minutes we could have defended better, but from there the game was perfect.
"I think everyone has played very well in the last three games, we were missing something against Rayo Vallecano, but we've played very good football, consolidated, with commitment, and dedication."
Ancelotti also said that Girona are capable of winning La Liga this term, adding after the match: "Girona are doing very well, better than us. They don't have European competitions either, so can fight for every game. They are a rival who can fight for La Liga, without a doubt."
After the trip to Cadiz on November 26, Real Madrid will take on Napoli and Granada in back-to-back home games in the Champions League and La Liga respectively.
Matt Law
