Real Madrid center back Antonio Rüdiger has undergone successful surgery on his right knee after suffering a partial tear to his outer meniscus. The Real Madrid player, who is awaiting a decision on his punishment for his actions in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, will miss the rest of the season.
Rudiger, goodbye to the season
Rüdiger says goodbye to the season. Everything pointed to the fact that he would not wear the white shirt again this season, as he is awaiting a punishment, which is expected to be exemplary, for his behavior in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, where he lost his cool with the referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, whom he threw an object at after he had called a foul against Real Madrid in the last play of extra time, leaving Ancelotti’s team with no chance of equalizing.
However, before that incident, the player had to be substituted due to injury. After enduring many minutes on the field with a considerable limp, he finally couldn’t go on and had to ask to be replaced. Hours later, the extent of the injury was revealed: a partial tear of the outer meniscus. Given the situation the player faced with the suspension, Real Madrid has opted for knee surgery, meaning he will miss the rest of the season and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit in time for the Club World Cup.
The operation was performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes and supervised by Real Madrid’s medical services. He is expected to spend several days resting before gradually beginning his rehabilitation.
A problem in defense
Real Madrid will have to finish the season with the same problems it has been dealing with for the last two seasons: problems in defense. The league title is still possible, but Rüdiger’s absence leaves Real Madrid with only one reliable center back, Raúl Asencio, although the schedule is now looking easier for the Whites. Alaba and Tchouaméni will cover for Rüdiger, which gives options in midfield to players such as Güler, who seems to have found his best form in the white shirt.
Another knee injury
Real Madrid’s defenders seem doomed to suffer knee injuries. Fortunately for Rüdiger, a torn meniscus is no longer as serious an injury as it used to be, and he should have no problem starting Real Madrid’s next season. However, his knee injury adds to those of Militao (in his case, both knees) and Alaba, who returned in February but is still far from the level he showed before his serious injury. Also on the list of knee injuries is Carvajal, who is rushing his recovery in the hope of being able to play in the Club World Cup, and last year’s injury to Courtois, who also missed virtually the entire last season.
Rüdiger’s absence is a major setback for Ancelotti and Real Madrid as they approach the end of the league season. Real Madrid’s options are to win everything, including against Barcelona, and hope that Flick’s team fail to win another game. But given the Whites’ defensive form this season, the German player’s absence could be the final nail in the coffin for the team’s title hopes this season.