Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham suffered a muscular injury in his right leg in training on Friday, the club has confirmed.
A source told ESPN that Bellingham was expected to be absent until mid-September, after the international break.
In an Instagram post, the England international expressed frustration over missing matches and concern about his workload after a demanding season with Madrid and his national team.
“Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year,” he said.
“I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can rejoin them again in my best and strongest form. Thanks for your messages of concern and support. Lots of love and Hala Madrid!”
Bellingham scored 19 league goals for Madrid last season, and delivered a man-of-the-match performance in their first trophy win this campaign, beating Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup last week.
“After tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical services on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with an injury in the plantaris muscle in his right leg,” the club said in a statement.