Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed star midfielder Jude Bellingham could require surgery to fix a recent shoulder injury, but only if the problem persists.
Bellingham has already been training away from the main group as he is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the Champions League win over Napoli. The 20-year-old, who still played 90 minutes against Granada last weekend, also dislocated his shoulder at the start of November but has only missed two games in all competitions.
Even with ongoing minor problems, Bellingham is not thought to be at risk of missing Saturday’s trip to Real Betis in Andalucia’s winter sun.
“Bellingham is working on his own because he still has to recover from the ankle injury he had against Napoli,” Ancelotti explained on Friday.
“He’s recovered well. The shoulder is something he has to look after to strengthen it on his own. He hasn’t had any problem to play, and every day that goes by, he is improving in that sense.
“[Surgery is not needed] right now. The shoulder is very particular. If it happens again or keeps happening, maybe, but we will see.”
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Ancelotti was also probed about his Madrid future amid speculation that an offer from the Saudi Pro League could be on the table.
The Italian joked he would “walk” to Saudi Arabia if he was offered €500m (£429m) but insisted he has not been approached with that or any proposal.
“No, they haven’t called me,” Ancelotti said. “I have other objectives and other ideas. I’ve never thought about money because I grew up in a family where money was not the most important thing. For me, I have to find myself in a good environment. Right now, that is here.”
90min understands an initial agreement is in place between Ancelotti and Brazil, but Madrid haven’t ruled out the possibility of him signing a new contract and staying. Raul, Roberto De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso would be potential options to replace him should he move on.
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