3 Real Madrid players who must step up after brutal Jude Bellingham injury

Jude Bellingham looks set to miss around three weeks after suffering a serious-looking injury in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over nine-man Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. He only lasted 10 minutes before being forced off in tears while feeling his hamstring.

A picture has surfaced online of Bellingham seemingly having an issue with his hamstring before the game at the Estadio Bernabeu. It's believed that he has suffered a tear that will require more than three weeks of recovery, per AS.

Bellingham was under scrutiny this week with question marks over his performances this season. But he is undoubtedly a huge miss for Alvaro Arbeloa and he will be eager for three of his men to step up in the 22-year-old's absence.

Bellingham injury: Arbeloa needs three Madrid men to step up

Bellingham essentially started the game out on the left with Vinicius Junior joining Kylian Mbappe up front. But it has been a versatile role that often allows him to drive inside and play centrally while linking up with his attacking teammates.

If he is absent for more than three weeks it will be crucial for Arbeloa to address his absence the right way. That could mean bringing Arda Guler into his starting XI permanently as the main attacking outlet.

Guler started against Rayo in central midfield and the Turkish midfielder has fared well recently albeit still yet to reach the heights anticipated when he signed for the club. He might be handed more free rein to perform a more attacking role.

Another Madrid man who came on during the win was Dani Ceballos and the Spaniard's display was a reminder of his playmaking abilities. He was calm on the ball and able to pick his man out with three long ball attempts.

Ceballos possesses creative quality that Madrid have been missing under Arbeloa in the middle of the park. He might be the one whose game time improves during Bellingham's absence.

Brahim Diaz on for Bellingham at the Bernabeu, and the Moroccan did well, albeit he should have been on the scoresheet. He forced the foul from Nobel Mendy, which won the late penalty and had already assisted Vinicius for the opener.

Arbeloa refutes Bellingham pre-match injury claim

Arbeloa spoke after the win against Rayo and was asked about Bellingham's injury. He responded to suggestions that the Englishman was already carrying a knock heading into the game (via Madrid Xtra):

"Jude Bellingham was already injured before the game? No, Jude was in perfect condition to play."

Bellingham had been a mainstay in Arbeloa's team before today and was deemed as one of his 'untouchables.' He had made 26 appearances across competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists.