Jude Bellingham is going through a delicate moment in his career. After a shoulder surgery, the English midfielder is in the middle of his recovery.
His return is scheduled for late September, but nothing guarantees that he'll be back at one hundred percent immediately. The situation is causing concern in the club and among fans, who are closely following every piece of news about his physical condition.
Recovery and physical condition
The shoulder surgery was necessary and was performed successfully. However, recovering from an injury of this kind isn't easy. Doctors recommend caution, since a quick return could compromise his performance or even cause new injuries.
Bellingham works daily on his rehabilitation, with specific exercises to strengthen his shoulder and regain mobility. The goal is to return to training with complete safety. Still, recovery times may vary depending on how his body responds and how the injury evolves.
Arda's emergence
During Bellingham's absence, Arda has taken his place in midfield and has shown a surprising level of performance. His creativity, balance, and ability to recover the ball have kept the team solid. With every match, Arda reinforces the doubt about Jude's starting spot.
The coach faces a dilemma: respect Bellingham's hierarchy or reward Arda's current form. Fans are divided. Some are asking for Jude to return to the starting eleven automatically; others believe Arda should keep playing as long as he's at his best.
The situation reflects the difficulty of managing a team where talent, leadership, and recent performance coexist. It's not just a tactical issue: there are also emotional and group dynamic factors that influence the decision.
Seniority and pressure
Jude Bellingham isn't just a talented player: he's a leader in the locker room. His experience and his ability to control the game make him a reference point. However, seniority can become an extra source of pressure.
Xabi Alonso must balance several factors. Jude brings security and confidence, but returning too soon could disrupt the chemistry Arda has created. Every decision requires deep analysis and strategy, because the team must perform collectively before individually.
Possible scenarios and expectations
When Bellingham returns, Xabi Alonso has several alternatives. He could bring him back as a starter, trusting his leadership and experience.
Another option is for him to come off the bench or play limited minutes, to avoid risks and help him adapt gradually. He could also keep Arda as a starter, prioritizing the positive dynamic the team has shown.
The reality is that Jude Bellingham's situation remains complicated. His return doesn't guarantee automatic protagonism, and the tension in the team remains. The next matches will be key to evaluating his performance and deciding on the best strategy.