Real Madrid suffered a huge blow in the early sages of their LaLiga game at home to Rayo Vallecano when Jude Bellingham was forced off after just nine minutes of play, with Brahim Díaz coming on in his place.
The England midfielder made a darting run into the penalty area but pulled up before reaching the ball, clutching the back of his leg before slumping down to the ground. There appeared to be little doubt that Bellingham had pulled his hamstring, although nothing has been confirmed as yet.
How long will Jude Bellingham be out?
Hamstring injuries vary greatly in terms of their severity. Generally speaking, most hamstring injuries result an absence of somewhere between one and six weeks. However, more serious tears can keep players for significantly longer.
Bellingham certainly appeared to be in considerable pain and it was immediately clear he wouldn’t be able to continue, although until tests are carried out by the club, we won’t know how long he will be absent.
Real Madrid’s lighter schedule
As a result of their Copa del Rey exit, Real Madrid’s schedule is lighter than it might have been. The LaLiga giants have no midweek games until February 17, when they travel to Benfica for the second time in three weeks in the Champions League knockout phase playoff.
They host the Portuguese the in the return leg on February 25, the only other midweek game they have on their schedule until late April.
However, if they get past Benfica in the Champions League, they will have round of 16 matchups on 10/11 March and 17/18 March, although they will hope to have Bellingham back by then.