Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Jude Bellingham could be forced to undergo a shoulder operation in the future if his recent problem does not fully heal.
The 20-year-old has been in outstanding form for Los Blancos since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund during the recent transfer window, scoring 15 goals and registering four assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Bellingham has managed 11 goals and two assists in 13 La Liga outings, while he has four goals and two assists in four appearances in the Champions League.
The midfielder suffered a dislocated shoulder during the clash with Rayo Vallecano at the start of November, though, which ruled him out of Real Madrid's next two games, in addition to England's November fixtures.
Bellingham returned against Cadiz on November 26, but he then suffered a minor ankle problem during the Champions League contest with Napoli at the end of last month.
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The youngster was able to feature against Granada last weekend, playing the full 90 minutes of his side's 2-0 success, and he is available for Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Betis.
However, Ancelotti has said that an ankle issue is currently being managed, while the Italian failed to rule out future shoulder surgery due to the nature of the problem.
"Bellingham is working on his own because he still has to recover from the ankle injury he had against Napoli. He has recovered well," said the Real Madrid head coach when asked about the midfielder's absence from the main training session on Friday.
"The shoulder is something he has to look after to strengthen it on his own. He hasn't had any problem to play, and every day that goes by, he is improving in that sense.
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"Not right now (Bellingham does not need an operation). The shoulder is very particular. If it happens again or keeps happening, maybe, but we will see."
Ancelotti also provided an update on Arda Guler, who is yet to make his debut for Real Madrid, having suffered three separate issues since his arrival.
"He's almost back. He will train harder next week. I don't know if he will be ready for the last game of the year or in 2024," said the Italian on Friday.
Aurelien Tchouameni has also stepped up his recovery from a broken foot, but Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois will be missing until next year.
Real Madrid are currently top of the La Liga table, only ahead of second-placed Girona on the head-to-head record, but they would open up a three-point advantage if they overcome Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.
Matt Law
