Jude Bellingham: The injured Real Madrid midfielder is in a ‘race against time’ for England matches

Jude Bellingham is a doubt for England’s friendlies in March amid concerns from Real Madrid that his hamstring injury is worse than initially thought.

The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder injured his hamstring against Rayo Vallecano earlier this month but is expected to be sidelined for just four weeks.

It is now believed he will be out for longer, with a possible new recovery timeline of six to eight weeks.

If these fears come true, Bellingham will not have much time to prove his fitness to participate in England’s two home friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium at the end of March.

England manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about Bellingham’s fitness for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League draw and said: “The club is a bit more defensive about the expectations in terms of his recovery weeks.

“Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is very determined and professional. He will do his best to be with us in March. Of course we are in contact, this is normal, and we wish him all the best.

“Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It’s a little race against time.”

Asked if he thought Bellingham would be ready, Tuchel added: “I’m personally optimistic, but I’m not sure.”

If Bellingham, who has 46 caps for England, fails to prove his fitness, the news will be a clear blow to Tuchel.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s position in the team has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers often starting in the No.10 role.

However, Bellingham is still seen as a regular in England’s squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup, with Tuchel set to announce his squad in May.