Real Madrid supporters barely had time to settle into their seats before Jude Bellingham’s afternoon was over.
Just eight minutes into Sunday’s LaLiga clash with Rayo Vallecano, the England star suddenly pulled up while chasing a loose ball and clutched the back of his left leg. The look on his face said everything.
Moments later, the midfielder was on the turf in visible distress, and the mood inside the stadium shifted from anticipation to stunned concern.
Pain, Tears and a Forced Substitution
As medical staff rushed on, Bellingham could be heard crying out as teammates gathered around him, trying to offer comfort.
The pain was obvious, and so was the fear. When it became clear he couldn’t continue, Brahim Diaz was sent on in his place.
Although a stretcher was brought toward the pitch, it wasn’t needed.
Bellingham managed to walk off under his own steam — but not before breaking down in tears.
He covered his face with his shirt as he headed down the tunnel, a heartbreaking sight for club and country alike.
A Major Worry for Tuchel and England
The suspected hamstring injury immediately rang alarm bells for England manager Thomas Tuchel.
With the World Cup now just over four months away, any extended absence for one of the Three Lions’ most important players is the last thing Tuchel needs.
Reports in Spain suggested the injury looked “significant”, and while full assessments are still to come, early expectations are that Bellingham could be sidelined for several months.
Heavy Workload Starts to Tell
The timing couldn’t be worse. Since returning from shoulder surgery in September, Bellingham has played in almost every match available to him.
At just 22, he has already racked up an astonishing 304 senior appearances across club and international football.
That relentless schedule may now be catching up with him, and Sunday’s setback felt like the kind of moment players and managers dread — when the body finally says no.
Race Against Time Before the World Cup
Even if Bellingham does return before the end of the season, match sharpness could be another issue entirely.
England fans have seen this story before.
In 2006, Wayne Rooney rushed back from a broken metatarsal to play at the World Cup, only to look a shadow of himself and exit the tournament without scoring before a costly red card.
The fear now is history repeating itself, with Bellingham forced into a desperate race to be ready in time.
Club Struggles Add to the Pressure
This injury also lands in the middle of a challenging season for Bellingham at Real Madrid.
Like several of his teammates, he hasn’t quite hit the heights expected, as the Spanish giants continue to flatter and frustrate in equal measure.
Despite Sunday’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano closing the gap to leaders Barcelona to just one point, performances have been inconsistent — and Bellingham’s fitness is a huge part of Real’s hopes between now and May.
England Role Now in Doubt
At international level, the timing is just as awkward.
Bellingham has been locked in a battle with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers for the No 10 role in Tuchel’s England side during recent camps.
A long spell on the sidelines could tilt that contest dramatically and leave Tuchel rethinking his plans just months before the biggest tournament of his reign.
Anxious Wait for Answers
For now, everything hinges on the results of further medical tests.
The scenes on Sunday suggested this was no minor tweak, and both Real Madrid and England will be holding their breath.
What was meant to be a routine league match may yet prove a defining moment in Jude Bellingham’s season — and potentially England’s World Cup hopes too.
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