Jude Bellingham has been named in Real Madrid’s squad for their Champions League match against Marseille, marking his return from a shoulder injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also included, as coach Xabi Alonso praises the leadership of Dani Carvajal.
Jude Bellingham, the dynamic England midfielder, has been declared fit and included in Real Madrid’s 23-man squad for their opening Champions League fixture against Marseille on Tuesday. This marks a significant return for the 22-year-old, who has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on a long-standing shoulder issue in July.
Bellingham’s shoulder problem initially surfaced in 2023 during a La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, resulting in a dislocation. Despite attempts to manage the injury, surgery became necessary during the summer following the FIFA Club World Cup. The recovery process has been carefully monitored, and his return to training last week signaled a positive step towards regaining full match fitness.
The inclusion of Bellingham provides a substantial boost to coach Xabi Alonso’s options. The young midfielder enjoyed a stellar debut season with Real Madrid after joining from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £115 million. He quickly established himself as a key player, contributing 23 goals in 43 appearances and helping the club secure both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.
Last season, Bellingham continued to be a vital component of the Real Madrid squad, netting 15 goals in 58 games. However, Los Blancos faced disappointment in their title defense, finishing behind Barcelona in La Liga, and were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Arsenal.
Alongside Bellingham, fellow England international Trent Alexander-Arnold is also included in the squad. Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool, has been vying for a starting position at right-back, competing with experienced Spain international Dani Carvajal. He recently made a brief appearance off the bench in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, demonstrating his readiness to contribute.
Xabi Alonso has emphasized the importance of Carvajal’s leadership and competitive spirit within the team. He highlighted the veteran defender’s influence as a captain and his positive impact on the squad. Alonso believes that having experienced leaders like Carvajal is crucial for maintaining a strong team dynamic and guiding the younger players.
“He [Carvajal] was still recovering while we were in the United States, but now he’s fit enough to play, you can see what a positive impact he has on everyone around him,” Alonso stated. “We need to have those kinds of leaders in a dressing room, they're crucial. Carva is an example of that. There are lots of others and we need that strong core to guide the rest.”
Real Madrid will be looking to make a strong start to their Champions League campaign against Marseille at the Bernabéu. With Bellingham back in contention, Alonso has a wealth of talent at his disposal as he aims to lead the Spanish giants back to European glory. The return of these key players will undoubtedly strengthen Real Madrid’s chances of success both domestically and in the Champions League this season.
The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams eager to secure a positive result in the opening round of the competition. Fans can expect an exciting display of skill and determination as Real Madrid and Marseille battle for supremacy on the European stage.
