Ancelotti says Bellingham may need shoulder surgery if injury recurs

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident Jude Bellingham is getting stronger every day from his shoulder problem — but feels surgery cannot be ruled out if the issue flares up again.

The England midfielder is enjoying a standout debut campaign with Los Blancos, having scored 15 goals so far in all competitions.

Bellingham, 20, had been sidelined ahead of the international break, missing England's final Euro 2024 qualifiers, as he managed a dislocated shoulder.

After returning to club duties, the midfielder then picked up an ankle issue during the Champions League win over Napoli.

Bellingham has been doing some training sessions in the gym this week ahead of Saturday's LaLiga match at Real Betis.

Ancelotti moved to allay any fears over a serious setback but accepts the club will have to monitor how Bellingham's shoulder responds to ongoing treatment alongside a hectic match schedule.

The Real Madrid coach said: "Bellingham is working on his own because he still has to recover from the ankle injury he had against Napoli. He has recovered well.

"The shoulder is something he has to look after to strengthen it on his own. He hasn't had any problem to play and every day that goes by, he is improving in that sense."

Pressed if Bellingham might need surgery, Ancelotti told a press conference: "Not right now. The shoulder is very particular. If it happens again or keeps happening, maybe but we will see."

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has stepped up his recovery from a thigh injury but Ukraine international Andriy Lunin could still retain his place between the posts against Betis.

Ancelotti said: "Nothing has changed with Kepa, we still trust him just as we did. Lunin has shown character and personality.

"The good thing is that we have both. One could play tomorrow but another, another time. There could be rotation."