Real Madrid have left England stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the club’s official 2026 calendar, signaling a challenging period for both players amid fitness doubts and limited playing time under Xabi Alonso.
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BELLINGHAM CUT FROM CALENDAR
The 22-year-old midfielder, previously a key figure and cover star of the 2025 edition, is missing from next year’s calendar. The new version instead highlights young talents like Arda Guler and Dean Huijsen, as well as long-serving players Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao [The Sun reports].
CHALLENGING SEASON FOR BELLINGHAM
Bellingham’s starting role has been disrupted by a delayed return from shoulder surgery. Since returning in September, he has started just once in three matches, including the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, and has been used primarily as a substitute. Alonso has praised his versatility but has preferred to maintain a midfield performing well without him.
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ENGLAND OMISSION ADDS TO FRUSTRATION
Bellingham was also left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the October international break. Tuchel cited a “lack of rhythm” and incomplete fitness, while stressing that the midfielder remains one of the world’s best but needs time to regain sharpness.
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ALEXANDER-ARNOLD FACES SIMILAR STRUGGLES
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid from Liverpool in the summer, is also absent from the calendar. His debut season has been disrupted by a hamstring injury sustained during his Champions League debut, keeping him sidelined for key fixtures and delaying his adaptation to La Liga.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE ENGLISH STARS
Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold must focus on regaining full fitness to reclaim their positions at Real Madrid. Alonso remains optimistic about both players’ long-term contributions, while fans await their return to full form in La Liga and international duty.