Real Madrid and England are facing a nervous wait after Jude Bellingham suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
The 22-year-old was forced off in tears just 10 minutes into the match.
Real Madrid confirmed the injury on Sunday night, with manager Alvaro Arbeloa describing the loss of the midfielder as “very important” as they await further test results.
The timing is critical for Bellingham’s international career. England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to name his World Cup squad in May, and Bellingham has been locked in a battle with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for a starting spot in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
While Bellingham has struggled with fitness and recent criticism at the Bernabeu, Rogers—the PFA Young Player of the Year—has become the talisman for both club and country.
If this injury rules Bellingham out of the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, he faces a major uphill battle to reclaim his place in the starting XI for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.
