Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger will not feature again this season after undergoing surgery on his left knee, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The experienced German centre-back had picked up a knee injury during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final, where Real Madrid suffered a dramatic 3-2 loss to fierce rivals Barcelona.
Rudiger was substituted during extra time and later received a red card for launching an object at the referee while protesting from the sidelines.
“Rudiger underwent surgery today for a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee,” Real Madrid said in an official statement. The club did not give a specific timeframe for his recovery. However, Spanish media reports suggest that the defender will be out for approximately six to eight weeks.
The 32-year-old’s absence is a blow to Madrid’s defensive line as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Rudiger has played a key role in Real’s backline this campaign and will miss all of the club’s remaining La Liga fixtures, including a crucial clash against Barcelona scheduled for May 11 at the Olympic Stadium.
Madrid are currently second in the league table, trailing Barcelona by four points with just five matches left.
In addition to his injury, Rudiger now faces disciplinary action. Following his red card in the Copa del Rey final, the German international is likely to receive a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches, depending on the outcome of the Spanish football authorities’ review of the incident.
Despite this setback, there is still hope that Rudiger could recover in time for Real Madrid’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States.
