Rephrase the title:Jude Bellingham injury update: How long Real Madrid star is out, games missed, and when he will be back

Jude Bellingham has been a sensation at Real Madrid since signing from Borussia Dortmund just seven months ago.

The midfielder joined the La Liga giants in a deal that could end up costing them nearly €134 million ($144m), which would make him the most expensive English player in football history.

His form in 2023/24 has made that fee look like a bargain, though. Bellingham has been the star performer in Spain’s top division, scoring 20 goals in his first 29 games in all competitions — a remarkable return for a midfield player. Having already won the Supercopa de Espana, he could end his first season with Madrid as a winner of both the league title and the UEFA Champions League.

However, Bellingham suffered a setback during Madrid’s emphatic 4-0 win over domestic title rivals Girona on February 10. The 20-year-old, who scored twice in the match, was substituted due to injury after only 57 minutes, having gone to ground holding his ankle.

The Sporting News has the latest on Bellingham’s injury, when he is expected to be back in action, and which games he could miss.

MORE: Jude Bellingham’s crazy stats in his first season at Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham injury update: How long is Real Madrid star out?

Bellingham injured his left ankle during the 4-0 La Liga win over Girona on February 10.

The midfielder was initially treated after Girona midfielder Pablo Torre stood on the Real Madrid star’s foot inadvertantly while trying to avoid a challenge from Vinicius Junior. Bellingham continued playing and scored his second goal of the game only two minutes later, tapping in a rebound after Vinicius’ shot was saved. However, after slipping over soon afterwards, Bellingham signalled he could not continue and was substituted.

The England star’s ankle and foot was covered in an ice pack while he sat on the bench and head coach Carlo Ancelotti later confirmed there was some ankle damage that would need to be examined.

On February 11, Real Madrid confirmed that Bellingham had sustained a “high-grade sprain in his left ankle” and would continue to be assessed. Initial reports, including from Marca, suggested Bellingham faces between two and three weeks out of action.

When is Jude Bellingham back?

It is anticipated that Bellingham will be sidelined for two to three weeks. Mario Cortegana, Real Madrid writer for The Athletic, said the club expected Bellingham to be back for the UEFA Champions League match at home to RB Leipzig on March 6. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, a regular on the BBC and CBS Sports, said the player had been fortunate to avoid a more serious injury.

Bellingham has got an ankle sprain that will keep him out of the team for two weeks

He was very-very close to get the same injury that kept Vini and Casemiro seven weeks away, so it could have been worse

Jude will be back for the return leg against RB Leipzig pic.twitter.com/tECI47DFTb

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) February 11, 2024

That would mean Bellingham will miss four games for Madrid: the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Leipzig, plus league matches against Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla, and Valencia.

Games Jude Bellingham could miss due to injury

Jude Bellingham goals, stats for Real Madrid

Bellingham hit the ground running in La Liga with an incredible five goals in his first four games for Los Blancos and has continued to explode onto the European scene after that early stretch.

He scored four goals during the Champions League group stage as the 14-time winners cruised into the knockout stages.

Bellingham’s 74th-minute goal in a 3-0 win over Cadiz on November 26 saw him move to 14 goals in 15 games for the club, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for most goals in a player’s first 15 games in the famous white shirt.