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Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa admits that he doesn't know the severity of Jude Bellingham's injury amid fears that he could miss the World Cup. England star Bellingham went down clutching his left hamstring just eight minutes into Sunday's game at home to Rayo Vallecano.

The midfielder was in tears as he walked down the tunnel, sparking fears that he's suffered a serious injury which could dent his hopes of playing for England at the World Cup. Post-match, Arbeloa was asked to provide an update.

"We still don't know anything about Bellingham," Arebola told a press conference. The 22-year-old will almost certainly miss Real's clash with Valencia next Sunday.

Bellingham's replacement, Brahim Diaz, helped Real take an early lead, assisting Vinicius Junior. But Vallecano hit back shortly after half-time, and they were minutes away from earning a precious draw.

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But having been reduced to 10 men late on, the visitors agonisingly conceded a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Kylian Mbappe coolly tucked it away, leaving Vallecano heartbroken.

"The players have made a great effort," Arbeloa added. "We have many things to work on. Now without matches entering the week we will do it. It has been a victory of soul."

On the unconvincing nature of the win, the Spaniard confessed: "We need to improve with and without the ball. I repeat a lot that the ideal team is the one in which everyone thinks in the same way. We're going to have plenty of time to instil this in the next two weeks."

Should Jude Bellingham start for England when fit? Have your say in the comments section.

Real are now back within one point of leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race, but the day was marred by Bellingham's injury. Not only do England play their final two friendlies before the World Cup in eight weeks' time, Arbeloa's side are heading into a crucial run of fixtures which may well decide whether he remains in charge beyond the end of this season.

Having fallen out of the top eight of the Champions League on Wednesday, Real will take on Benfica in the play-offs. Coincidentally, it was Benfica who stunned the 15-time European champions 4-2 in midweek to earn a play-off spot themselves.

Those matches will take place later this month.

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