In what can only be described as an unfortunate turn of events for Real Madrid, forward Endrick is set to miss the next two months due to a significant hamstring injury. This setback not only puts him out of contention for crucial matches but also sidelines him from the upcoming Club World Cup. The news, confirmed by multiple sources to ESPN, underscores a troubling trend for the club as injuries have become a reoccurring adversary this season. The club’s medical team has diagnosed Endrick with damage to the hamstring tendon in his right leg, a crucial blow for a player who has been eager to establish himself in the first team.
The timing of this injury couldn’t be worse for Real Madrid, especially considering their Club World Cup debut against Al Hilal is nearing. Scheduled for June 18 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, this match will also mark the beginning of Xabi Alonso’s tenure as the manager, following Carlo Ancelotti’s unexpected shift to coach the Brazilian national team. The stakes are high, and the absence of a key player like Endrick at such a pivotal moment could well influence the outcome of this crucial tournament.
Bellingham’s Ongoing Struggles
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham finds himself in a similar predicament. Faced with recurrent issues in his left shoulder that date back to his first season with the club, Bellingham is preparing to undergo surgery after the Club World Cup. This decision reflects a proactive approach by both the club and the player, as they aim to rectify a persistent problem that has disrupted his performance. The 2025-26 LaLiga season might start for him on a sour note, as he’ll likely miss the initial matches following the operation.
Bellingham’s shoulder dislocation during a game against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023 was a stark reminder of his vulnerabilities. Opting for a rehabilitation path rather than surgery initially kept him on the pitch; nevertheless, it has now led to exacerbated issues that he cannot afford to ignore. Both he and the medical team seem to have reached a consensus that surgery is the best course of action, especially considering the urgency to manage player health amidst a slew of injuries afflicting the team.
Managerial Challenges for Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s first assignment as the new manager could hardly be more demanding, as he must navigate a squad riddled with injuries. The concern over player fitness is a pressing issue that he will need to address urgently. With Luka Modric and Arda Güler being the only players to dodge injury this season, the functional depth of the squad has been compromised significantly. Notably, in the face of these challenges, the team will enter clashes against formidable opponents like Real Sociedad with only Kylian Mbappé and Brahim Díaz available in forward positions.
As the club pivots towards the Club World Cup, a tournament that embodies not just prestige but also a chance for redemption, every decision that Alonso makes will be scrutinized. The situation opens the door to a larger conversation about managing the ever-evolving dynamics of player fitness and team resilience in today’s fast-paced football landscape. With the road ahead fraught with challenges, the resilience of both the squad and the coaching staff will be put to the test.