Jude Bellingham returns early for Real Madrid's Champions League opener

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :September 15, 2025 at 11:06 PM

Modified at :September 15, 2025 at 11:06 PM

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid CF

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The midfielder has returned from his shoulder injury.

Jude Bellingham has been named in Real Madrid’s squad for their UEFA Champions League opening fixture against Marseille.

Bellingham has not played this season after having shoulder surgery in July, which was previously predicted to keep the England international out of action for four months.

The 22-year-old has recovered ahead of schedule and is included in the team for tomorrow night’s match against Marseille of France’s Ligue 1.

The midfielder decided to undergo surgery after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and it was thought he would be on the sidelines for the first half of the season.

Real Madrid will play Marseille in matchweek 1 of the league phase

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid — Jude Bellingham could get some minutes in this UCL tie (Photo via Getty Images)

On Tuesday, the record 15-time champions take on Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu to start their Champions League campaign. In order to increase Xabi Alonso’s midfield options, Eduardo Camavinga also makes his injury comeback.

Under the new head coach, the Spaniards hope to capitalise on their strong start. Los Blancos have accumulated the most points from their first four games, putting them atop the LaLiga title race.

Despite Dean Huijsen’s red card in the 32nd minute, Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 over the weekend thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler.

Last week, the England international Bellingham participated in some team training in Valdebebas but didn’t play in their game against Sociedad. He could get some minutes in the Champions League clash tomorrow.

After suffering a shoulder injury following a dislocation in November 2023, Bellingham stated this summer that surgery had “been a long time coming.”

He was playing with a shoulder problem last season, which also affected his performance as he couldn’t replicate his first campaign performance at the club and failed to make much of an impact.

Will Bellingham play against Marseille?

He could get some minutes against them.

When did the midfielder return to training?

He returned to training last week.

How long was he expected to be out with a shoulder injury?

He was set to be out until the start of October.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.