There were suggestions that the England international would be forced under the knife after representing his country at Euro 2024. Bellingham played through pain for much of the 2023-24 campaign, having dislocated his shoulder during an October clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Nearly 12 months on and said ailment is still causing Bellingham problems. Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the 21-year-old is no longer playing with a supportive brace, but was seen clutching at his shoulder again after coming off against Espanyol.

According to Marca, Bellingham has been advised to rest. He is, however, reluctant to heed that advice having recently missed a month of action due to a foot complaint. The Three Lions midfielder is said to have no intention of sitting games out as he bids to recover peak form and fitness.

Bellingham may be rotated out for a La Liga clash with Alaves on Tuesday, giving him a bit of a break, but the likelihood is that he will be make Los Blancos’ starting XI for a derby date with neighbours Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday.