By Adenike Lawal
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, dealing a heavy blow to the club’s LaLiga title hopes and his national team ambitions.
The 32-year-old German international had the procedure on Tuesday under the care of Dr. Manuel Leyes, with the club confirming a two-month recovery period.
This rules him out of Madrid’s final five league matches and throws his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup and Nations League into doubt.
Rüdiger sustained the injury during last weekend’s heated Copa del Rey final loss to rivals Barcelona. Despite playing through intense pain, he was later sent off for throwing an object in protest.
In a heartfelt apology, he admitted his actions were unjustified and revealed he had been struggling with knee pain for over seven months.
“Now I am finally pain free,” Rüdiger posted on Instagram. “The surgery went well. I will take it one week at a time and fight to return for the Club World Cup.”
His absence worsens Real Madrid’s injury crisis, with Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga also sidelined.
Madrid, currently trailing Barcelona by four points, faces Celta Vigo next before a decisive El Clásico showdown.
The Spanish football federation is still reviewing disciplinary action against Rüdiger, but with his recovery already underway, any suspension may have little effect this term.
