It could be three and a half weeks; it could be five. But that's the approximate timeframe. Because the injury, as confirmed, is considerable.
Without waiting a second longer, he underwent tests this very afternoon, and the results are in: a tear in the semitendinosus muscle of his left leg.
The worst was feared, and it has been confirmed. Jude will miss the Champiosn League playoff tie against Benfica and at least four LaLiga matches (Valencia, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, and Getafe). He is also a serious doubt for Celta.
The idea is that he'll be available for a hypothetical Champions League round of 16 (March 10-11). There is optimism regarding that. But the tear is significant.
It all happened in the 8th minute of the match against Rayo Vallecano. An attack down the right flank, a sprint, and a powerful shot.
He immediately grabbed the back of his thigh. A lot of pain, a lot of tension. Bellingham left the field limping and in tears, knowing he had torn something.