Why isn’t Jude Bellingham playing today for Real Madrid against Osasuna LaLiga?

Real Madrid make their debut this Tuesday, August 19, against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu, in a match that will close out Matchday 1 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025-26. The Santiago Bernabéu will welcome new faces and a renewed desire to rise again, as Tolosa native Xabi Alonso returns to the Bernabéu for the first time as head coach.

Among the absences are two key players Alonso will be unable to field against the Reds: Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger.

Why isn’t Jude Bellingham playing?

After months of battling injury, Jude Bellingham finally opted to undergo surgery on his damaged left shoulder. The procedure took place on July 16 in London, less than a week after Madrid’s loss to PSG in the 2025 Club World Cup final.

Bellingham’s shoulder problems date back to 2023. In his debut LaLiga season, wearing the white shirt, he suffered the initial injury against Rayo Vallecano. What first seemed like an isolated incident developed into recurring dislocations, forcing the Englishman to play through pain, miss games, and ultimately go under the knife.

Why isn’t Antonio Rüdiger playing?

Despite having recovered physically, the German defender will also miss the league opener. After a controversial red card in the Copa del Rey final against Barça, Rüdiger was handed a six-match suspension, of which he has served five.

The former Chelsea player used his enforced absence to undergo surgery on his left knee, which is why he did not feature during Xabi Alonso’s debut at the Club World Cup.

When will they return?

After nearly 20 months of shoulder trouble, Bellingham is expected to be back on the pitch in October. According to Real Madrid’s medical report, his recovery timeline is set at 10 to 12 weeks from the date of surgery.

As for Rüdiger, he is already fully fit but must serve the final match of his suspension. His return is scheduled for Matchday 2 of LaLiga EA Sports, when Madrid face newly promoted Real Oviedo.