Borussia Dortmund set to block Jude Bellingham’s England call-up

Jude Bellingham is unlikely to be allowed to go on international duty this month, with Borussia Dortmund concerned that he would have to quarantine after returning to Germany.

According to the Guardian, the English FA learned on Tuesday that Bellingham would not be given an exemption from having to self-isolate for 14 days upon his return from the United Kingdom. And even though the situation still remains fluid, Borussia Dortmund are unwilling to take any risks.

The Black and Yellows have crucial games in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League coming up in the first two weeks of April.

Sebastian Kehl said earlier this week that Borussia Dortmund reserve the right to prevent players from going on international duty if they feel that players would have to quarantine after returning to Germany.

Jude Bellingham has been touted for a senior England call-up, having been left out of the U-21s squad for the group stage of the European Championships. Jadon Sancho would have also been a candidate for selection, but he is out until April with a muscle injury. England manager Gareth Southgate will announce his squad on Thursday.

Gio Reyna has been named in the United States squad for their friendly against Jamaica, which will take place in Austria. But he will not be involved in their game against Northern Ireland in Belfast, and will return to Dortmund instead.

England are due to kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign with a triple-header against San Marino, Albania and Poland during the upcoming international break. Two of their games will be played in England, and one in Albania. Bellingham could theoretically play the game in Albania, as the country is currently not considered to be a risk zone.

FIFA have ruled that clubs are allowed to block players from leaving for international duty this month due to the quarantine restrictions in place in various countries.