Real Madrid are reportedly furious after Jude Bellingham took part in England duty without playing a single minute. Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure as Bellingham had just returned from a muscle injury, but Spanish newspaper Marca claim Los Blancos do not currently think the trip is necessary.
Real had hoped the 22-year-old, who is trying to regain his game sharpness, might get some important minutes in the friendly against Uruguay and Japan, but he is said to have left dissatisfied. In fact, Real reportedly believe the trip is an unnecessary effort ahead of next week’s crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
The former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund player made his return to action against Atletico Madrid before the international break, coming on as a substitute with around 15 minutes remaining. This is his first appearance since February 1st, when he won 2-1 against Rayo Vallecano.
Bellingham will have another chance to earn some much-needed time before Real travel to Mallorca to face Bayern on Saturday afternoon.
And while Real may be furious at Tuchel’s decision to keep their star midfielder out, the German explained to BBC Radio 5 Live that it was to avoid further injury to Bellingham.
“I think it’s too much of a risk, so he (Bellingham) tends not to play,” he said.
“We all benefited by his participation. He was good in training, but he came in as a neutral player. He was not 100 per cent involved in training. He was not 100 per cent involved in training.”
“He looked very, very good, but we’re still holding him back so he doesn’t take any risks. This injury is a muscle strain, it’s very specific, and we definitely don’t want him to get injured again at this moment in the season.”
“And so is he. It was great to have him in camp. He was great. But the trend is he’s not going to play.”
Bellingham will play a big role for both club and country over the coming months as Real aim to win a La Liga and Champions League double before England aim to qualify for their first World Cup since 1966 this summer.
