Jude Bellingham leaves Madrid, Yamal apologize to Barcelona fans

Real Madrid CF head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has defended the club’s decision to allow star midfielder Jude Bellingham to travel to London for specialist treatment as the team battles a growing injury crisis. 

Bellingham is recovering from a hamstring problem and has temporarily left Spain to undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of club medical staff.

Arbeloa emphasized that the process is carefully coordinated and fully monitored by Madrid’s medical department.

Another key player, Kylian Mbappe, has also travelled abroad, returning to France to continue treatment for a persistent knee issue that has troubled him since the start of the year. 

Arbeloa stated that both players remain under the oversight of the club’s doctors and that specialists involved in their recovery agree with the current conservative treatment plan aimed at ensuring a full return to fitness.

The injuries come at a difficult moment for Real Madrid CF, who have slipped in the title race after consecutive league defeats. 

Their struggles have allowed FC Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, to move four points clear at the top of La Liga. 

Madrid now face a crucial stretch, starting with a league match against RC Celta de Vigo before a major UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash with Manchester City, where Mbappé could potentially return while Bellingham is expected to remain out until April.

Elsewhere, Lamine Yamal delivered a message of unity to fans after FC Barcelona were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atlético Madrid. 

Despite Barcelona winning the second leg 3–0 at Spotify Camp Nou, they lost the tie 4–3 on aggregate. 

The 18-year-old winger was one of Barcelona’s standout performers, providing an assist and constantly threatening the Atlético defence, which at times required multiple players to mark him. 

After the match, Yamal posted a black-and-white photo on Instagram thanking supporters and encouraging them to stay optimistic, writing: “Thank you for last night, culers. We still have a lot to be excited about. VISCA EL BARCA SEMPRE!”

Teammates also showed solidarity following the painful exit. Ferran Torres urged the team to “get up and keep going,” while captain Raphinha praised both the squad and the fans for their support and intensity. 

Raphinha said the team should remain proud of its performance and focus on the remainder of the season, with Barcelona currently leading La Liga and preparing for an upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United.