Real Madrid received some very unfortunate news after their star player, Antonio Rüdiger, suffered an injury shortly after returning from the international break.
Rüdiger participated with the German national team in two 2026 World Cup qualifiers and participated in one training session with Real Madrid after which he sustained an injury and was excluded from the squad for Saturday’s match against Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid issued an official statement announcing that Rüdiger had suffered a ruptured rectus femoris muscle in his left leg, without specifying the length of his absence.
Spanish media immediately reported that the 33-year-old would need three months to recover and return to action, meaning he would likely be out until the beginning of the new year.
Rüdiger’s injury undoubtedly represents a major crisis for coach Xabi Alonso, as it will reduce his available defensive options to just Eder Militao, Dejan Huijsen, Raúl Asensio, and David Alaba. Meanwhile, the Merengues are playing two matches per week, which puts pressure on everyone involved.
Rüdiger’s injury undoubtedly opens the door to his departure at the end of the season and the possibility of his contract being renewed. This is his second major injury this year, following an injury in April that required surgery and left him out for over two months.
Real Madrid is currently without Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick due to various injuries.
