Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2024/2025 campaign, after undergoing knee surgery.
32-year-old Rudiger was forced off in the 111th minute of extra-time during Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey Final and was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the external meniscus in his left knee.
The German international now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having undergone surgery to correct the problem.
“Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success. Thanks to the medical team,” Rudiger posted on social media. “[There are] two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup in front of me, but I have to look from week to week. I will do everything I can to make it happen.”
Real Madrid did not give a timeline for Rudiger’s recovery but Spanish media reports say he could be out between six and eight weeks, which would rule him out of the rest of the domestic season and make him doubtful for the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on 15th June in the United States.
Rudiger’s absence could be felt by Germany, who are competing in the UEFA Nations League Finals, which takes place between 4th and 8th June.