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Bellingham set to make early comeback as injury crisis rock under-fire Spanish champions

Real Madrid are aiming to speed up Jude Bellingham’s recovery from injury and may bring the midfielder back for their first match following the international break, Soccernet.football understands.

The 21-year-old suffered a foot injury on August 18, initially ruling him out for over a month and causing him to miss England’s September fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. 

While few expected him to return this month, The Athletic reports that the England international is being considered for Real Madrid’s trip to Real Sociedad on September 14. 

In fact, manager Carlo Ancelotti is contemplating giving Bellingham some playing time as the team grapples with an injury crisis that has gone from bad to worse during the international break.

Los Blancos are feeling the pressure after a sluggish start to the season, collecting only eight points from their first four games. Although they currently sit second in La Liga, they have already slipped four points behind Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.

The growing list of injury casualties presents a huge setback for the champions as they look to play catch up. Eduardo Camavinga is still out, and Dani Ceballos is set to be sidelined for about two months due to an ankle injury. 

International break casualties include Aurelien Tchouameni who pulled out of the France squad earlier this week after sustaining an issue, as did left-back Ferland Mendy. Centre-back Eder Militao was also sent home from the Brazil squad after reporting a thigh issue.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that 19-year-old defender Jacobo Ramon could be out for two weeks. With David Alaba already sidelined long-term, Real Madrid now face a huge crisis at center-back.