England international Jude Bellingham has been recalled to Real Madrid’s squad for Tuesday’s first Champions League clash with Marseille.
The 22-year-old underwent surgery in July to fix a persistent shoulder injury and has been out of action since the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year.
He initially sustained the issue in 2023 after dislocating his shoulder during a match against Rayo Vallecano, and it continued to trouble him throughout last season.
Bellingham resumed full training last week and has now been named by coach Xabi Alonso in the 23-man list for the tie at the Bernabeu.
Record signing aims for fresh impact
Bellingham joined the Spanish side from Borussia Dortmund for £115m two years ago and enjoyed a superb debut campaign, winning both La Liga and the Champions League while netting 23 goals in 43 appearances.
Last season he scored 15 times in 58 games, but Madrid surrendered the league crown to Barcelona and was eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Alexander-Arnold included as Carvajal’s competition
Fellow England player Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been selected for the encounter with the Ligue 1 outfit.
The former Liverpool defender featured for the final eight minutes of the 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the weekend as he continues to compete with veteran Spain right-back Dani Carvajal for a starting place.
Alonso praised Carvajal’s “competitive spirit” and his role as a captain, highlighting his importance within the squad.
“He was still recovering during our trip to the United States, but now that he’s fully fit, you can see how much he lifts the group,” Alonso said, adding that experienced leaders like Carvajal are vital for guiding the team.
