Jude Bellingham: Carlo Ancelotti gives update on Real Madrid midfielder after shoulder issue - 'Can't play with England'

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has appeared to rule Jude Bellingham out of England's upcoming European Championship qualifiers, but says the young midfielder will return to action after the international break.

England face Malta and North Macedonia in the coming days, but Bellingham's shoulder injury - contracted against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga last weekend - looks to have put him out of contention to feature for Gareth Southgate's side.

Bellingham played the remainder of the Rayo fixture with his shoulder in strapping, unable to make the difference as his side were held to a 0-0 draw, but was not involved in Madrid’s group-stage clash against S.C. Braga in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

He was initially included in the squad for this weekend’s La Liga match against Valencia after Ancelotti said that "unless something strange happens he will play". But Bellingham was then withdrawn just hours before kick-off.

Bellingham will still report for international duty to be assessed by England’s doctors, but Ancelotti cast doubt on his ability to play.

"He will go to be evaluated but I expect him back [in Spain] again quickly," he said following Madrid’s 5-1 thrashing of Valencia.

"If he didn’t play today, he can’t play with England. He has to do specific work to strengthen his shoulder and he will do that in the coming weeks. After the international break I think he will be able to play again."

Bellingham would be a welcome addition to the Madrid squad for the team’s fixtures after the international break, which starts with a La Liga match against Cadiz on November 26.

Los Blancos will then aim to continue their perfect start to their UEFA Champions League campaign against Napoli, a match which can be watched on TNT Sports.

Real Madrid currently sit top of Group C after winning their first four matches of the competition. Bellingham has been instrumental to this impressive start, scoring three goals and setting up one more in the three games he has played.

This included a crucial last-gasp winner against Union Berlin after Madrid looked set to be held to a goalless draw at the Bernabeu.

Bellingham would be a significant loss to Southgate’s England squad, having already made 27 appearances despite his young age.

The Three Lions take on Malta at Wembley on November 17, before travelling to North Macedonia on November 20.

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