Coach Álvaro Arbeloa acknowledged that losing Jude Bellingham is “a significant loss” after the midfielder had to be substituted just 10 minutes into Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The club confirmed later that the issue was related to Bellingham’s left hamstring.
Kylian Mbappé scored a late penalty in the 100th minute to secure all three points for Madrid in a challenging LaLiga match that saw Rayo’s Jorge de Frutos equalize after Vinícius Júnior scored first. Rayo Vallecano had two players sent off during the match.
The Bernabéu crowd expressed their frustration with whistles both before and during the second half, following Madrid’s midweek loss to Benfica in the Champions League.
“We don’t have any updates about Jude yet,” Arbeloa stated during the post-match press conference when asked about the injury.
The England international appeared to hurt his thigh while pursuing a ball along the right wing with the score still tied. After receiving comfort from teammates, he limped off the pitch, visibly upset and in tears, as he was substituted for Brahim Díaz.
“Bellingham has put in a tremendous effort in every match since I arrived,” Arbeloa commented. “His absence is significant, but we have an exceptional squad.”
Bellingham is set to undergo tests to assess the severity of his injury.
The 22-year-old’s situation could pose a significant concern for England manager Thomas Tuchel as the team prepares for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan next month.
Bellingham’s name, along with that of Vinícius, was among those that drew whistles from some fans during the team’s pre-game introductions.
This season has already been challenging for Bellingham, who has dealt with injuries, having missed the start of the campaign due to shoulder surgery last summer.
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“I have great respect for the Bernabéu crowd, and I will always seek their support,” Arbeloa commented regarding the whistles.
He further insisted that Real Madrid was not fortunate to receive nine minutes of added time in the second half, pointing out that the winning penalty was awarded in the 98th minute, with Mbappé scoring shortly after.
“It could have been longer,” Arbeloa noted. “Every time visiting teams take a goal kick here, it takes a minute.”
Admitting that his side needs to find more consistency, Arbeloa reflected on the tough beginning to his tenure as coach: “I’m not Gandalf the White,” he quipped, referencing the fictional wizard. “What I am looking for from my players is commitment and effort.”
Information from PA was included in this report.