Antonio Rüdiger’s Knee Surgery Sidelines Him for Two Months: What It Means for Real Madrid and Germany
In a significant blow to Real Madrid’s defensive lineup, Antonio Rüdiger is expected to be out of action for up to two months following knee surgery. This news, confirmed by sources to ESPN, means that Rüdiger will miss the remainder of the LaLiga season and his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup is now in jeopardy.
The club’s primary goal is to ensure that Rüdiger is fully fit for the preseason, avoiding any unnecessary risks. However, the player himself is determined to make a quicker return. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rüdiger expressed his commitment to returning in time for the Club World Cup with Madrid and the Nations League with Germany this summer. “After I have played more than seven months with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery,” Rüdiger shared. “Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success … I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen.”
Real Madrid released a statement confirming the successful surgery: “Our player Antonio Rüdiger underwent successful surgery today for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left leg. The operation was carried out by Dr. Manuel Leyes, under the supervision of Real Madrid Medical Services. Rüdiger will soon begin recovery work.”
Rüdiger, 32, was substituted during extra time in Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. The match was a dramatic affair, and Rüdiger’s frustration boiled over as he received a red card for throwing an object onto the pitch and attempting to confront the referee. The Germany international, who had played on with a heavily bandaged knee before being withdrawn, later apologized for his actions, stating there was “no excuse for my behaviour” in a post on social media.
The red card incident occurred in the 120th minute of the cup final, just after Jules Koundé had put Barcelona 3-2 up in extra time. Referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea reported that Rüdiger was dismissed “for throwing an object from the technical area” and had to be restrained by various members of the coaching staff, showing an aggressive attitude. The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee is expected to announce the length of Rüdiger’s ban soon, although his surgery will keep him out for the rest of the season regardless.
Real Madrid’s defense is already stretched thin with long-term absentees Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal, both sidelined with ACL injuries earlier this season. Left-back Ferland Mendy lasted just eight minutes on his return from injury in the Copa del Rey final before being withdrawn, while midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who can also fill in at left-back, suffered a serious groin injury against Getafe last week and will not return this season.
Mendy is expected to be absent for around two-and-a-half months, as confirmed by Madrid, after suffering a right quadriceps injury. The club is actively looking to sign a new left-back this summer, given Mendy’s injury record and doubts over back-up Fran García. Miguel Gutiérrez, a Madrid youth product now at Girona, is a leading candidate for the position.
As the LaLiga season draws to a close, Madrid finds itself four points behind Barcelona at the top of the table with five games left to play. They are set to host Celta Vigo on Sunday before traveling to face Barcelona in another Clásico next week. The Club World Cup group stage will see them play Al Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg, with the first game against Al Hilal taking place in Miami, Florida, on June 18.
- Rüdiger’s absence adds to Madrid’s defensive woes.
- Real Madrid is actively seeking a new left-back.
- Rüdiger aims to return for the Club World Cup and Nations League.
With the season’s climax approaching, Real Madrid faces a challenging period without some of their key defensive players. The club’s ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland,Rodrigo Faez
