'Missing you all' – Jude Bellingham given standing ovation at the Bernabeu as injured Real Madrid star is forced to watch Real Betis win from stands

Jude Bellingham has sent a "missing you all" message to Real Madrid fans after being given a standing ovation during his injury-enforced absence.

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Midfielder nursing muscle complaintSitting out games for club & countryHoping to be back in mid-SeptemberGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international is currently being kept on the sidelines by a muscle problem in his right leg. He is expected to be out of action for around a month, which could see him sit out six games for the Blancos in their La Liga title defence.

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Bellingham will also be missing for the Three Lions when they open their latest UEFA Nations League campaign. The 21-year-old midfielder has become a talismanic presence for club and country, with his exploits in 2023-24 pushing him into contention for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

While Bellingham is being restricted to a spectator role at present, Real supporters have continued to air their admiration. Bellingham was in the stands to see Kylian Mbappe break his Liga goal duck for Madrid against Real Betis, while also being treated to a round of applause himself when flashing up on the big screen at Santiago Bernabeu.

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Bellingham figured for Real in their UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta and season-opening 1-1 draw with Mallorca. He has since missed wins over Betis and Valladolid, as well as a disappointing stalemate away at Las Palmas. There is every chance that he will sit out Real’s Champions League opener for 2024-25 against Stuttgart on September 17.