Real Madrid may be celebrating on the pitch in July, but a significant challenge awaits them off it.

In the best-case scenario, Los Blancos will conclude their Club World Cup campaign on July 13. However, upon returning to Madrid, Jude Bellingham is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery to finally resolve the persistent discomfort he endured throughout the past season.

The downside? The English star is expected to be sidelined for three months, ruling him out for the first two months of the 2025-26 LaLiga season. This early absence presents a tactical headache for Xabi Alonso, who will need to find a creative and reliable replacement from day one.

Although the transfer market may reshape Madrid’s squad after the tournament, two main candidates have already emerged as frontrunners to take over Bellingham's role.

The first is Arda Güler, whose technical brilliance and performances in central areas have impressed Alonso and positioned him as a potential centerpiece in the midfield. The second is new signing Franco Mastantuono, who is expected to join the squad on August 14, just in time for the LaLiga opener. While he’s often featured on the right wing, many see the Argentine prodigy as a natural fit in attacking midfield or even deeper roles.

Other midfielders like Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga could contribute in the engine room, but neither offers the same dynamic attacking profile that Bellingham brings to the pitch.

As Alonso prepares for his debut season, adaptability and squad depth will be put to the test early.

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