England manager Thomas Tuchel has given an interesting assessment of Jude Bellingham amid the Real Madrid's star's injury troubles. The German coach just signed a contract extension with the Three Lions meaning he isn't an option for Los Blancos if they look to permanently replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer.
Bellingham's attitude has been questioned back in his homeland over the past year. There have been claims that even his English teammates have grown irritated with his behavior.
There have been reports in Spain suggesting Thibaut Courtois approached Arbeloa about his concerns over Bellingham. The Belgian goalkeeper suggested he should be dropped because of his "attitude on the pitch", per El Nacional.
Bellingham is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and reports suggest he could face two months out of action. His country have upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies in March and Tuchel was asked about his potential availability for those two games.
Tuchel admitted that he's unsure whether Bellingham will be fit in time for friendlies against Uruguay (March 27th) and Japan (March 31st). He said (via ESPN):
"The club [Real Madrid] is a bit more defensive on the outlook regarding the weeks of his recovery."
Tuchel seemed to comment on the recent criticism of Bellingham's professionalism while giving an update:
"Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is determined and super professional."
He added:
"He will try everything to be with us in March. Of course we are in contact, that is a normal thing to do, and we wish him all the best... Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It is a little race against time."
Tuchel's comments will enthuse Bellingham given there has been recent speculation over his role in England's team at the World Cup. He was one of the Three Lions' most important players at Euro 2024 but struggles at Madrid this season have raised doubts over him starting this summer's tournament.
Tuchel seems to have performed Bellingham U-turn
Bellingham has earned 46 caps to date, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists. The 22-year-old will be eager to be part of the squad that prepare for the World Cup although he is a doubt judging by the current timeline of which he is expected to return.
Tuchel has also seemingly shown his support for the Englishman after his previous comments caused controversy. He claimed that his mother found the Madrid star's demeanour 'repulsive' but he apologised and claimed that his remark was unintentional.
It's not just England who will be hoping the attacking midfielder is fit for their March friendlies. Los Blancos will be eager to have him return during the final stretch of the season with Alvaro Arbeloa's men a point behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.