Real Madrid hit with new injury crisis after Trent Alexander-Arnold nightmare

Jude Bellingham was left in tears as he suffered a hamstring injury just eight minutes into Real Madrid's clash with Rayo Vallecano, with England World Cup fears growing

Trent Alexander-Arnold's first season in Spain is not going well(Image: Getty Images)

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has confessed that he's uncertain about the extent of Jude Bellingham's injury, sparking concerns that the England star could miss the World Cup.

Bellingham was seen clutching his left hamstring just eight minutes into Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano. It's the latest injury to hit Madrid, with Trent Alexander-Arnold still working his way back to fitness. The former Liverpool vice-captain has already suffered two muscle injuries since moving to the Spanish capital last summer.

Bellingham was visibly upset as he made his way down the tunnel, fuelling speculation that he may have sustained a serious injury that could hurt his chances of representing England at the World Cup.

When asked for an update post-match, Arbeloa responded. "We still don't know anything about Bellingham," he told reporters during a press conference.

It's highly likely that the 22-year-old will be absent from Real's upcoming clash with Valencia next Sunday.

Bellingham's substitute, Brahim Diaz, played a key role in helping Real secure an early lead, setting up Vinicius Junior. However, Vallecano retaliated shortly after half-time and were on the brink of securing a valuable draw.

Jude Bellingham suffered a nasty injury on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

But after being reduced to 10 men towards the end of the match, the visitors conceded a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Kylian Mbappe calmly slotted it home, leaving Vallecano devastated.

"The players have made a great effort," Arbeloa added. "We have many things to work on. Now, without matches entering the week, we will do it. It has been a victory of soul."

Reflecting on the less-than-convincing victory, the Spaniard admitted: "We need to improve with and without the ball. I repeat a lot that the ideal team is the one in which everyone thinks in the same way.

"We're going to have plenty of time to instil this in the next two weeks."

Madrid is now just a point behind first-place Barcelona in the La Liga title race, but Bellingham's injury cast a shadow over the day.

With England's final two friendlies before the World Cup just eight weeks away, and Arbeloa's side facing a crucial run of fixtures that could determine his future at the helm, the timing is far from ideal.

After dropping out of the Champions League top eight on Wednesday, Real is set to face Benfica in the playoffs. In a twist of fate, it was Benfica that shocked the 15-time European champion with a 4-2 victory in midweek, securing its own playoff spot.

These matches are scheduled for later this month.