Three Real Madrid players Arbeloa can turn to following key midfielder’s injury setback | OneFootball

Real Madrid have suffered a major setback after the injury diagnosis of Jude Bellingham was officially confirmed. 

The English midfielder will be out for approximately one month after sustaining a muscle injury in his left leg, ruling him out of several crucial fixtures during a decisive phase of the season.

Bellingham picked up the injury during Real Madrid’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, a match already filled with controversy and late drama. 

What happened to Bellingham?

The incident occurred early in the game, in the 9th minute, when Bellingham made a run towards the byline. 

As he accelerated, he suddenly felt discomfort in his hamstring and immediately signalled that something was wrong.

The midfielder grabbed the back of his left leg and went down on the pitch, instantly raising concerns on the Real Madrid bench. 

He was substituted shortly afterwards, with Brahim Diaz coming on in his place. 

Three options for Arbeloa

With the diagnosis now confirmed, the focus has shifted to how Alvaro Arbeloa plans to cope without one of his most influential players. 

Brahim Diaz is a top option to replace Bellingham. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

As things stand, Arbeloa has three realistic options to consider. 

The first is continuing with Brahim in a role similar to the one he played during the 2023/2024 season. 

During that season, the Moroccan recorded his best-ever scoring tally, finishing the season with 12 goals and 10 assists, as Real Madrid completed a treble.

That season, he played mostly in the final third, playing 14 matches as a second striker and 12 matches as an attacking midfielder, and in those two positions, he scored five goals and two assists.

Another option is Eduardo Camavinga, who provides energy, ball-carrying ability, and defensive balance. 

While he is naturally not a box-to-box or an attacking midfielder by trait, his energy and explosiveness could be put to great use if monitored effectively.

The third alternative involves Federico Valverde, although this option depends heavily on squad availability. 

Valverde can only move into a more advanced role if Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit, which would free the Uruguayan from right-back duties and allow him to influence the game further forward.