The past few days are good to be forgotten by Real Madrid CF. In the last game, they lost the El Clasico by a huge margin of four goals to arch-rivals FC Barcelona, then their star Ballon d’Or contenders Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal didn’t get the award and instead, Manchester City’s Rodri was chosen. Now, reports of their star defender Antonio Rüdiger facing a probable injury are also being speculated.
As per media outlet Marca, the German centre-back was absent from the training sessions of Real Madrid with “discomfort in his left leg”. The report also revealed that Antonio Rüdiger only did “specific work in the gym”, while the rest of the team hit the training grounds too.
Several other reports claimed that Rüdiger had problems in his muscle when he left the pitch post El Clasico, but reports revealed that the player was not injured, and was having problems with “overload”. However, with the discomfort not being a severe one, one can expect him to be available to play the next league game against Valencia on away grounds (Mestalla Stadium, Valencia).
How Antonio Rüdiger’s injury might affect Real Madrid’s plans?
Real Madrid is already dealing with a lot of key players injured. From key goalie Courtois, and defenders Alaba, and Carvajal, to star forward winger Rodrygo, everyone is nursing injuries. Now, Antonio Rüdiger’s injury is another blow, making options in the back-line minimal.
However, seeing the intent of the injury, he can be rested for the game against Valencia, who are currently at the last spot, and not having a first team player shouldn’t affect Real Madrid’s victory plans.
Rodrygo, Courtois and Alaba Injury Update
To add some respite to head coach Carlo Ancelotti, star winger Rodrygo has, according to Marca “began to work with the ball as part of his recovery from the injury to the right femoral biceps”. The Brazilian suffered injury in the last UEFA Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.
But, first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and centre-back David Alaba are still sidelined for injury. Courtois has begun his recovery process, with exercises on possession, control, ball movement, and pressure.
Real Madrid will be facing clubs like AC Milan and Liverpool in the coming days, so not exhausting the pivotal players and keeping them fit to play will be key for them, as they have a league and Champions League to defend.
Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty miss leads to Al Nassr exit from King’s Cup