Jude Bellingham faces race against time for England March friendlies

• Real Madrid fear hamstring injury could sideline Bellingham for up to eight weeks
• England midfielder now a major doubt for Wembley games against Uruguay and Japan
• Thomas Tuchel admits fitness battle is a race against time

Jude Bellingham is facing a major battle to be fit for England’s March friendlies after Real Madrid raised concerns that his hamstring injury may be more serious than initially feared.

The 22–year old damaged his hamstring during a match against Rayo Vallecano earlier this month and was first expected to be sidelined for around four weeks. However, medical assessments now suggest his recovery could take between six and eight weeks, significantly increasing the risk of him missing England’s home fixtures against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Real Madrid are taking a cautious approach and acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Bellingham’s availability.

“The club is a bit more defensive on the outlook regarding the weeks of his recovery,” Tuchel said. “Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is determined and super professional. He will try everything to be with us in March.

“Of course we are in contact, that is a normal thing to do, and we wish him all the best. Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It is a little race against time.”

When asked whether he expected Bellingham to recover in time, Tuchel added: “Personally, I am optimistic, but I am not sure.”

Bellingham, who has won 46 caps for England, remains a central figure in Tuchel’s plans, particularly with the World Cup approaching this summer. However, his absence would be a significant setback, especially given ongoing debate around his role in the team.

In recent months, Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has frequently started in the number 10 position, increasing competition in attacking midfield areas. Despite that, Bellingham is still viewed internally as a key player for the tournament, with Tuchel due to announce his World Cup squad in May.

Should his recovery timeline extend toward the upper end of the current estimate, Bellingham will have little opportunity to demonstrate match fitness before the March internationals, placing his immediate England involvement in serious doubt.