Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is set to miss England’s Nations League clashes next month after suffering a leg injury. The 21-year-old has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his right leg and will be out until late September.
The news comes as a blow to interim England boss Lee Carsley, who is preparing for his first games in charge of the senior team in September. England has a pair of Nations League matches scheduled, facing the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and then hosting Finland at Wembley three days later.
Real Madrid confirmed the injury, stating that Bellingham had been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg. The club added that they are awaiting further developments.
Bellingham had started in all of England’s matches on their run to the Euro 2024 final and recently returned to Madrid for the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta. However, he set up Kylian Mbappe for a debut goal in the match, as Real Madrid won the silverware.
In their first league game, Carlo Ancelotti’s side was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Mallorca, with Bellingham ruled out due to injury. The injury was initially thought to be minor, but reports suggest that it could see him unavailable until late September.
In Bellingham’s absence, Ancelotti may turn to Arda Guler to take his place in the starting lineup. The 19-year-old impressed fans with his performances for Turkey at the European Championships and has been restricted to brief cameos off the bench in both the Super Cup final and their LaLiga opener.
**England Football** **Jude Bellingham**