Jude Bellingham was in tears when he pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in Real Madrid's clash with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The English midfielder only lasted 10 minutes before he was forced off with Brahim Diaz coming on in his place.
It's another setback for Bellingham whose been criticized as of late for his performances this season. There has even been talk of the club considering listening to offers for the 22-year-old if he doesn't show improvement.
Bellingham might be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines judging by his reaction. He had been a mainstay in the Madrid team since recovering from shoulder surgery earlier this season.
Madrid's Bellingham suffers injury vs Rayo
Bellingham wasn't running onto a loose ball when he hit the turf and held his hamstring in pain. He was comforted by Federico Valvede before being forced to exit the field.
The Englishman had his head in his hands as Kylian Mbapppe looked to console him and he was clapped off by fans. The only positive was that he was able to leave the pitch unaided and on his feet rather than being stretchered off.
🚨 CONFIRMED: Jude Bellingham has a strain in his left hamstring. @Rodra10_97 pic.twitter.com/AL1Lnw1BAc
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 1, 2026
Bellingham was one of four players whom Alvaro Arbeloa defended ahead of the Rayo game. The Spaniard insisted anyone who didn't think he, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Valverde deserved to be untouchable don't 'like Madrid.
There are some crucial games on the horizon that Bellingham could now miss including the Champions League playoffs against Benfica on February 17th and 25th. His side also travel to Valencia in La Liga next Sunday and collide with Real Sociedad the following week.
Bellingham's injury details
According to The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Bellingham seems to have felt a twinge in his left hamstring. He will be undergoing tests to assess the extent of the injury.
Hamstring injuries can lead to anywhere between 1-10 weeks of recovery. It doesn't seem to be a mild strain given his response and a partial tear could mean he faces 3-8 weeks out of action.
Bellingham's injury won't just concern Madrid but also England given they are competing in this summer's World Cup. He has been a key man for his nation and was vital when they finished runners up at Euro 2024.
He dealt with a shoulder problem last season which he addressed during pre-season when he underwent surgery. He has appeared 27 times across competitions this season, posting six goals and four assists.