England midfielder Jude Bellingham has emerged as an injury doubt for next month's Nations League opener against Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
The Real Madrid midfielder has suffered a leg injury and reports in Spain suggest the 21-year-old will not be available until after the international break.
A statement from the Spanish club on Friday read: "Following tests carried out today on Jude Bellingham by Real Madrid’s medical team, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg.
"His progress will be monitored."
Later on Friday, Bellingham posted on X: "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.
"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!"
Real host Real Valladolid on Sunday and also have LaLiga games against Las Palmas and Real Betis ahead of the international break.
The 21-year old midfielder played in all seven of England's Euro 2024 games, scoring the winning goal in the opener against Serbia and a spectacular injury-time equaliser against Slovakia in the round of 16.
Ireland host England in the Aviva Stadium on 7 September, in what will be a first game in charge for both Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and English interim boss Lee Carsley.
Ashley Cole will serve as assistant during Carsley's time in charge. The 107-cap defender is joined in the temporary backroom set-up by Joleon Lescott, another former international, and FA head of coaching Tim Dittmer.
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