Jude Bellingham spotted using oxygen mask in health update

Jude Bellingham has delivered a three-word update on his recovery from a hamstring injury. The England and Real Madrid midfielder fell to the floor in the eighth minute of his side’s clash with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and was promptly withdrawn.

Bellingham left the pitch in distress after receiving medical attention for his left hamstring complaint. The midfielder is now expected to be sidelined for four weeks, ruling him out of Madrid’s vital Champions League play-off fixtures against Benfica. Regarding England duties, Bellingham should return to fitness in time for the Three Lions’ pair of friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at the end of March, well ahead of the World Cup commencing in June.

The 22-year-old has now turned to social media to provide supporters with an update. Bellingham shared a selfie while wearing an oxygen mask on his app, JB5.

Following Madrid’s 2-1 victory, courtesy of a late Kylian Mbappe spot-kick, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa confessed that he ‘didn’t know’ anything regarding Bellingham’s injury at that moment.

The club later released a medical statement on their website on Monday.

It read: “Following tests carried out today on our player Jude Bellingham by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. Awaiting evolution.”

Reports from Spain indicate a four-week recovery period for him. Bellingham has featured just twice for England this season, having been selected in only one of their three squads.

For September’s fixtures, the Birmingham academy product was still regaining full fitness after undergoing shoulder surgery. However, when it came time for Thomas Tuchel to name his next group of call-ups, Bellingham was conspicuously absent.

In November, with England having already sealed World Cup qualification the month before, Bellingham was recalled to the squad. He featured in the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory away to Albania before facing criticism for his sulky response to being taken off by Tuchel.

“That is a decision and he has to accept the decision,” the England boss said afterwards. “His friend is waiting on the sidelines. Accept it, respect it and keep on going.

“I will need to review it and I saw he was not happy. I do not want to make it bigger at the moment than it is. Players like Jude are so competitive, they will never like it.

“My word stands; it is about standards and a level It is a commitment and respect to each other. We will not change our decision because someone waves their arms.”