Bellingham's Back from the Brink: 'Gutted for Weeks' But Ready to Rock Real's Revival
Jude Bellingham opened up about his 'very sad' seven-week hamstring recovery after subbing on in Real Madrid's 3-2 derby win over Atlético Madrid. He's back training, called up for England, and raving about the team's improved form under Álvaro Arbeloa post-Xabi Alonso sacking. Bellingham hailed stars like Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde while eyeing the upcoming Clásico.
Jude's Joyful Return: Hamstring Hell Over at Last
Picture this: the Bernabéu roaring like a pack of wolves on steroids, Real Madrid nicking a 3-2 thriller against Atlético Madrid in the derby. And who trots on as a sub in the second half? None other than Jude Bellingham, making his comeback after what felt like an eternity sidelined by a pesky hamstring tweak. First outing since 1 February, and the lad's already buzzing, as reported by Alex Kirkland at ESPN Spain.
Bellingham didn't mince words post-match on Real Madrid TV. "It was a long seven weeks, tough as nails," he said in Spanish that'd make your nan proud. "I was proper gutted for ages, but now? Smiles all round, training with the boys again." It's like he's just woken up from a bad dream, pint in hand, ready to smash it.
Injury Woes and England Call-Up
This season's been a right rollercoaster for the England star. Shoulder surgery over summer had him out till mid-September, then – bam – thigh knock just 10 minutes into a scrap with Rayo Vallecano last month. That's limited him to a measly 15 LaLiga starts so far in 2025-26.
Yet, here's the kicker: Thomas Tuchel's named him in the England squad for the international break. Talk about a confidence booster. Bellingham's debut year at Madrid was pure magic – 19 LaLiga goals in 2023-24. This term? Just four strikes. But with the injury fog lifting, who knows what fireworks we're in for?
Madrid's Mad Season: Sacks, Smashes, and Superstars
Los Blancos have had more twists than a soap opera. Gaffer Xabi Alonso got the boot in January, Álvaro Arbeloa stepping in like the hero we didn't know we needed. Form's flipped: they dumped Manchester City out of the Champions League last-16 (two-legged masterclass), then this derby dagger.
"The lads are flying right now," Bellingham grinned. "Solid at the back, lethal up top – especially last few games." And the fans? "Mental on nights like these. That Bernabéu cauldron pushes us over the line, derbies or City away – we feel every roar."
He couldn't resist bigging up the in-form duo: Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde, both on the scoresheet against Atlético and chipping in against City too. "In the rough patches, those two step up massive," Jude said. "Fede's attitude is gold, Vini's the king of comebacks. What they're doing? Unreal."
Vinícius, by the way, was 'not far off' his peak in that derby – cheeky wink to his form. Looking ahead, a massive Clásico looms on 10 May with Barcelona hosting. Madrid's resurgence could make it a belter.
Bellingham's return feels like the missing puzzle piece for a Madrid side that's clawed back from the brink. From sad sidelined sub to derby dynamo, the kid's got that hunger back. If this is the start of Jude 2.0, LaLiga – and Europe – better brace itself. Cheers to that, eh?