Jude Bellingham Returns for Real Madrid’s Champions League Clash Against Marseille

Madrid, Spain – Jude Bellingham is back on the field. The England midfielder has been included in Real Madrid‘s squad for Tuesday’s opening UEFA Champions League match against Marseille at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 22-year-old has dealt with a shoulder injury since July and has not played since the Fifa Club World Cup this summer. Bellingham suffered a shoulder dislocation during a game against Rayo Vallecano last year, but returned to training last week.

Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, announced Bellingham’s return among the 23 players selected for the match. Bellingham joined Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for £115 million two years ago. In his debut season, he helped the club win both La Liga and the Champions League, scoring 23 goals in 43 appearances.

Last season, Bellingham scored 15 goals in 58 games as Madrid lost the La Liga title to Barcelona and was eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Arsenal. Fellow Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold will also participate, making his return for the upcoming fixture.

Alexander-Arnold played the last eight minutes in Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, though he has had difficulty securing a starting spot over veteran Dani Carvajal. Alonso praised Carvajal’s leadership and competitive spirit, calling him a crucial asset for the team.

“Carvajal’s influence as a captain is vital,” Alonso said. “We need those kinds of leaders in the dressing room to guide the rest.”

Both teams are eager to start their European campaign with a win. Real Madrid aims to build on their promising start this season, while Marseille, led by coach Roberto De Zerbi, is looking to capitalize on their own recent performances, including a 4-0 victory over Lorient.

In terms of injuries, Real Madrid will miss defenders Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger, both sidelined with long-term issues. Meanwhile, Marseille is nearly at full strength, missing only Amine Gouiri, who is recovering from a head injury.

De Zerbi remarked, “We have to have courage in attack and maintain possession. The Bernabéu is a tough venue.”

The match kicks off at 21:00 CEST, and both teams are eager to claim an early victory in the group stage.