The scale of the shoulder operation of Jude Bellingham last month was made clear after a photo of the scar of the Real Madrid star on social media.
Bellingham underwent a successful operation in London three weeks ago to tackle a problem that has been suffering from November 2023.
The Englishman fell awkward and disrupted it during a LaLiga match against Rayo Vallecano.
He postponed to go under the knife and was forced to play heavily tied with his shoulder to prevent extra injury – and reported reporters earlier this summer that he was 'tired of playing with the pendulum'.
It is understood that Bellingham will have to wait until at least mid -October to fully recover and be ready to play again.
He has been seen in a pendulum since the procedure, but fans have now received a first look at his huge scar after he posed for a photo in a vest with two girls.
The photo shows the scar by running the most shoulder of the 22-year-old.
Bellingham posts on Instagram after the operation: 'Thanks to Andrew Wallace and Susan Alexander, their team and everyone at Fortius Clinic for the operation and hospitality.
'To Ivan Ortega and Dr. Leyes to travel to support. And finally, to everyone for all good wishes and messages from Love. The process to come back has already begun, goodbye. '
The expected rehabilitation time is about three months if everything goes well, possibly extends to four.
If the last reality unfolds, Bellingham can be released until November.
That is why he will miss at least the first eight games of La Liga, first two Champions League matches and probably the first two international breaks in September and October.
His possible return match could be when Madrid Face Getafe in the competition on 19 October after the international break.
After the operation, Bellingham will spend at least a month stabilized with his shoulder and protected his arm in a pendulum to help the healing process.
Bellingham played this summer in all six World Cup matches from Madrid and helped reach his side by reaching the semi-final by contributing a goal and an assist en route.
Last season the English International scored 14 goals and offered so many assists in all matches for his club.
His domestic performances saw him earning a place in Laliga's team of the season for the second year in a row, after he also won the player of the season after his first term in Spain.