Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is set to miss up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery for a knee injury on Tuesday. The Germany centre-back sustained a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee, and although Real Madrid did not specify the exact duration of his absence, Spanish media reports suggest he will be sidelined for between six and eight weeks.
Rudiger’s injury comes after a controversial incident during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona on Saturday, where he was sent off for throwing an object at the referee. The 32-year-old is expected to face a ban of between four and 12 matches for his actions during the match in Seville.
Despite the injury, Rudiger may still feature in Real Madrid’s upcoming Club World Cup campaign in the United States, which kicks off on June 14.
Currently, Real Madrid sits second in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points with five matches remaining. The two teams are scheduled to meet on May 11 at the Olympic Stadium in what could be a crucial clash in the title race.