Xabi Alonso announces Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is well ahead of schedule on injury return | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that Jude Bellingham could be back ahead of time from his shoulder injury, on which he had surgery this summer. There is hope that the England international could make it back for the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.

Bellingham, 21, has been seen back in partial training with the group this week, following surgery on his shoulder. This comes just two months after the operation, when a three-month absence was expected, and would be a major boost if he was back for the Madrid derby before the end of the month.

“I want to be a little optimistic and hope he’ll be ready before October. He’s doing partial training, without contact, but Jude is making a great effort in his recovery. Let’s see if he can take steps forward next week, and when we feel good, we’ll be waiting for him.”

Eduardo Camavinga close to return

Alonso went on to explain that Eduardo Camavinga, who has also been out since late April, could be line for a return soon, his most recent injury an ankle sprain. He was less optimistic about Ferland Mendy.

“Eduardo is on a similar schedule to Jude; he can do almost everything. He’ll be on a list soon. He’s been given the all-clear. Ferland has a few more weeks left.”

Franco Mastantuono unlikely to go to under-20 World Cup

Meanwhile it has also been suggested that Argentina are keen to take Franco Mastantuono away for the under-20 World Cup at the end of the month. The Basque manager was clear he did not want to lose Mastantuono. “If it’s up to us, it stays with us,” he noted – if the Albiceleste went all the way, he could be missing for around a six weeks.

Image via Diario UNO

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal competition

Alonso expressed his pleasure at the fact that Los Blancos did not lose any players to the so-call ‘FIFA Virus’ during the international break.

“It’s demanding. Everyone has come back in fine. They haven’t come in injured. The most important thing is that they arrived on time and healthy. We did have more players here than usual. We’re in the process of continuing to consolidate things.”

Before they went away, the battle for a starting spot between Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold was a major talking point. Alonso was asked how he was handling it.

“Fortunately, we have healthy competition within the team, and they’re challenged internally because there are teammates who are ready… It also happens in other positions, like center back or winger. Whoever deserves it will play; it’s going to be very repetitive all year.”