“Bellingham does not take risks in England’s friendly against Japan.”

Jude Bellingham, a rising star in the world of football, is back in the headlines as he faces the challenge of recovering from a thigh muscle injury. The midfielder, just 22 years old, has made progress in his rehabilitation, but England manager Thomas Tuchel has made the cautious decision to keep him out of the upcoming friendly match against Japan. This encounter represents England’s last opportunity to fine-tune the team ahead of the World Cup, making the situation even more delicate.

Bellingham’s return to training with his teammates has generated excitement among fans and analysts, especially following the emotional impact of the injury that brought him to tears earlier this year. After a demanding recovery, he briefly returned to competition for Real Madrid as a substitute just eight days ago. His inclusion in the 35-player squad for March was seen as a positive sign, but Tuchel, while acknowledging the player’s progress, maintains a cautious approach.

“I think it’s too big of a risk,” Tuchel said in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. The manager also emphasized Bellingham’s importance in training: “He has been excellent in training, but he participated as a neutral player. He wasn’t at 100 percent.” Despite his presence, Tuchel’s assessment points to Bellingham’s absence from the game at Wembley against Japan.

Tuchel also explained the nature of the injury: “It is a very specific muscle injury, and we do not want a relapse at this stage of the season under any circumstances.” This cautious approach underscores the importance of protecting the player’s physical condition, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. The decision is not just about one game, but rather about preserving Bellingham’s career and his future contribution to the national team.

On Monday, Bellingham trained with 26 other players at Tottenham’s training facilities, demonstrating his determination to return to his best level. However, Jordan Henderson was a notable absence from the main group, opting for an individual session indoors, highlighting the challenges in managing the athletes’ physical condition.

As the match against Japan approaches, the decisions of the England national team are under scrutiny, as well as the impact they may have on the World Cup. Bellingham’s journey is an example of resilience, but for now, all indications suggest that his role will be that of an observer. Anticipation is growing, not only for this game but especially for the moment he returns to the pitch, where he can showcase his talent once again.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.