Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger is set to miss up to two months following knee surgery, according to multiple reports.
The German defender suffered an injury during the final moments of normal time in last Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Despite heavy strapping on both knees, Rudiger returned to the pitch but struggled with his mobility, allowing Ferran Torres to slip past him and equalize before Barcelona eventually won in extra time.
On Tuesday, Madrid confirmed that Rudiger had undergone surgery to repair a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee. MARCA reported that the 32-year-old would be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks, while Fabrizio Romano suggested the recovery period could extend closer to two months.
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Regardless of the exact timeframe, it’s unlikely that Rudiger will feature in the remainder of Real Madrid’s domestic season, which ends on May 25.
Following surgery, Rudiger shared two post-operation photos with an uplifting message to his fans: “After playing for more than seven months with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo meniscus surgery. Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success.
“Thanks to the medical team. I want to be able to play again as soon as possible, with the Nations League and Club World Cup coming up, but I have to take it week by week and see how things progress. I will do everything I can to make it happen. See you soon and take care.”
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign is set to begin on June 18 against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, about seven weeks after Rudiger’s surgery date.
While Rudiger’s absence is unfortunate, his season might have already been affected. His act of throwing an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa del Rey final, described as “aggressive” in the referee’s match report, could lead to a suspension of between 4 and 12 matches.
