Real Madrid lose Antonio Rudiger to injury for several weeks

Real Madrid’s defensive plans have taken a hit as centre-back Antonio Rudiger faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a muscle injury in his left leg. The German international, 32, suffered the setback during training on Friday, and early reports suggest he could be out for around two months. The club confirmed in a statement that scans revealed an injury to Rudiger’s rectus femoris muscle. While Real Madrid did not provide an exact recovery timeline, Spanish outlet AS described the injury as “serious.” The veteran defender has only featured once in La Liga this season, after managing 55 appearances for the club last year despite battling through injuries. Rudiger’s absence leaves Real with limited options at centre-back, though the club strengthened the position this summer by signing 20-year-old Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. Reports also suggest that Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Liverpool’s France international Ibrahima Konaté, potentially as reinforcement at the end of the season. The Spanish champions face a busy schedule ahead, with a La Liga trip to Real Sociedad on Saturday followed by their Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will be forced to reshuffle his defensive lineup in the absence of Rüdiger. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who has been managing a shoulder injury, has opted for surgery following his Club World Cup commitments. The England midfielder has now begun rehabilitation, with Real Madrid hopeful of seeing him return later this season. With Rudiger sidelined and Bellingham recovering, Real Madrid will need to rely on squad depth as they juggle domestic and European challenges in the opening months of the campaign.