Bellingham and Camavinga Step Up

Real Madrid received a much-needed boost in Monday’s training session as Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga returned to the pitch alongside the rest of their teammates.

The sight of both midfielders working with the group provided optimism for manager Xabi Alonso and the coaching staff, who have been waiting patiently for two of their most important players to overcome injury setbacks. However, their return to full competitive action will take a little longer, and it is considered unlikely that either will be risked for Saturday’s highly anticipated La Liga clash against Real Sociedad at Anoeta.

The recovery of Jude Bellingham has been closely monitored ever since the England international underwent surgery on July 16 to correct a left shoulder dislocation. It was an old problem, dating back almost two years to his first months as a Real Madrid player, and while he had managed to play through the discomfort at times, medical specialists eventually concluded that surgery was necessary to avoid recurring issues. Bellingham’s rehabilitation has gone largely according to plan, and his work ethic and determination have even prompted him to push harder than expected to accelerate his return. The coaching staff, though, have urged caution, insisting that he should only come back once he is in perfect condition, free from any lingering pain or restrictions.

The club sees Bellingham as a cornerstone of its present and future, and the risks of rushing him back are clear. Since his arrival, he has proven himself to be not just a goalscoring midfielder but also a leader in big matches. His absence has been felt in Madrid’s attacking fluidity, with the team missing his late runs into the box and his ability to dictate play in midfield. Alonso knows that integrating him gradually will be crucial, especially with a congested calendar ahead, including La Liga fixtures, the Champions League group stage, and the Spanish Super Cup in January.

For Eduardo Camavinga, the road has been more complicated. On August 10, the French midfielder suffered an ankle sprain, an injury initially considered minor but which has proven more troublesome than expected. Early medical assessments even suggested he might be available for matches against Oviedo or Mallorca before the international break, but setbacks in recovery forced the staff to take a more cautious approach. The decision was ultimately made to delay his return, prioritizing the long-term stability of the joint over short-term gains.

This ankle injury came at a difficult time for Camavinga, who has already endured a series of fitness problems in recent months. At the Club World Cup in April, he was sidelined by a muscle issue that ruled him out of key fixtures. Though he was named in the squad for a high-profile clash with Paris Saint-Germain, he was not fit enough to feature. Combined with the ankle sprain, these setbacks have prevented him from making a single appearance under Xabi Alonso in La Liga so far this season. For a player who has become increasingly important thanks to his versatility capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, or even left-back when needed his absence has been keenly felt.

Camavinga’s return to the training pitch therefore represents a significant step forward, even if his competitive comeback is still on hold. Real Madrid are determined to ensure that both players return fully recovered, as their influence in midfield is critical to the team’s balance. With Toni Kroos already managing his minutes carefully and Luka Modric no longer a guaranteed starter, the return of youthful energy and dynamism from Bellingham and Camavinga is essential.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s preparations for the upcoming clash at Anoeta will continue in stages this week. With many players away on international duty, Alonso has had to work with a reduced squad in recent sessions. The first internationals are expected to trickle back into Valdebebas on Wednesday, with the remainder arriving by Friday. The coaching staff hopes to conduct at least one full training session with the entire squad before they depart for San Sebastián on Saturday morning.

The trip to Anoeta promises to be one of Madrid’s sternest tests of the early season. Real Sociedad, traditionally strong at home, will look to exploit any lack of rhythm among Madrid’s returning players. For Alonso, the dilemma will be whether to risk reintroducing recovering stars like Bellingham and Camavinga or to hold them back a little longer, ensuring their fitness for the crucial run of fixtures later this month.

In the bigger picture, the return of Bellingham and Camavinga could not come at a more important time. Madrid’s squad depth has been tested in recent weeks, and while young players and backups have stepped in admirably, the difference that world-class midfielders make is undeniable. Supporters will be eager to see them back in action, but both the club and Alonso appear committed to prioritizing health and long-term performance over immediate availability.

For now, Monday’s session provided a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel: two key midfielders back on the grass, smiling, working hard, and edging closer to full fitness. If all goes according to plan, it won’t be long before Bellingham and Camavinga are once again at the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield, dictating games and providing the energy and creativity the team thrives on.