Real Madrid and England have been dealt a devastating blow as Jude Bellingham has been ruled out through injury.
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Bellingham diagnosed with muscle injuryMidfielder ruled out for around a monthWill miss England's matches in SeptemberWHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old has been diagnosed with an injury to a muscle in his right leg and will be out of action until late September. That would see him miss both of England's Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Three Lions will play their first games since manager Gareth Southgate's departure following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. Under 21s manager Lee Carsley has been trusted to lead the senior team on an interim basis, but he will have to start his reign off without star midfielder Bellingham.
WHAT REAL MADRID SAID
A statement from Real Madrid said: "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 plantar thin muscle of his right leg."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
The ex-Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham star will start his recovery while Madrid prepare to take on Real Valladolid in their next La Liga game on Sunday. England are set to face the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month, with Bellingham expected to miss both encounters.