Real Madrid have been handed a major boost as midfielder Jude Bellingham is on track to return from injury earlier than initially expected, according to head coach Xabi Alonso.

The 21-year-old England international underwent shoulder surgery in July and was originally scheduled to return just in time for the season’s first El Clásico against Barcelona on October 26.

But speaking at today's press-conference, Alonso offered a more optimistic timeline:

"I want to stay cautiously optimistic and hope he can return before October," said the Real Madrid boss. "He has already started light training with the group — non-contact drills only — as his shoulder still needs a bit more protection to heal fully."

"Jude has worked incredibly hard on his recovery and is feeling really good. He won’t be back tomorrow, but we’ll see if he can make more progress next week and rejoin full training. When we feel the time is right, we’ll bring him back."