Jude Bellingham photographed with girlfriend in Sardinia as he recovers from shoulder surgery

Jude Bellingham was photographed on holiday in Sardinia with girlfriend Ashlyn Castro, appearing affectionate on the beach while the Real Madrid midfielder continues to recover from shoulder surgery that has kept him out of action.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder problem that required an operation this summer after a dislocation sustained in a LaLiga match. England teammates were in training as they prepared to face Serbia on Tuesday, while Bellingham spent time away from the pitch with Castro, 27, who is a model.

Club and national medical staff have described the injury as significant. A photograph of a post-operative scar circulated on social media last month, and the midfielder thanked his surgical team in an Instagram post after the procedure, writing that the "process to come back has already started" and signing off "see you soon." Reports have said the expected rehabilitation period is about three months if all goes well, and that recovery could extend to four months, which would delay his return until mid-October or possibly November.

Bellingham delayed surgery for a period and continued to play with his shoulder heavily supported by a strap. He told reporters this summer that he was "tired of playing with the sling" before opting for the operation. The injury traces back to a clash in LaLiga, where the player fell awkwardly and dislocated the shoulder.

Bellingham and Castro have kept a relatively low public profile since going public with their relationship earlier this year, but were seen together at recent matches and on the holiday. They were photographed larking in the sea and embracing on a sun lounger during the Sardinia trip. Castro returned to social media in June following a four-month break that came amid online claims and a widely circulated hoax about her past.

In a lengthy video posted to TikTok after resuming her social accounts, Castro addressed several false claims and described the online attention as distressing. She said she had three relationships over the previous eight years and disputed multiple rumours about her dating history. The couple were previously seen together at the Bernabéu alongside Bellingham's mother, Denise.

Real Madrid and England staff will monitor Bellingham's progress as he completes rehabilitation. England manager and team medical staff typically assess players' fitness on a case-by-case basis ahead of international fixtures, and Bellingham has not been available for selection while he continues his recovery.

The midfielder's absence leaves Real Madrid and England with a temporary gap in midfield options, and his recovery timeline will be closely watched by both club and national team supporters. For now, Bellingham's focus appears to include time off the pitch with family and his partner as he works through the rehabilitation process with the aim of returning to competitive action later in the autumn.