Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger might miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
The 32-year-old has been a key player for Real Madrid since joining from Chelsea in 2022.
The center-back had been struggling with “severe” knee pain for the past seven months, which necessitated the surgery.
Real Madrid confirmed the operation today, stating: “Rüdiger has been successfully operated on today for a partial rupture in the external meniscus of his left leg.”
While the surgery was successful, the current Spanish and European champions may be without the Germany international for the remainder of the La Liga schedule.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rüdiger is expected to be sidelined for “almost two months.”
Despite the setback, the former Chelsea player appeared upbeat after the procedure, sharing a smiling picture from his hospital bed with a thumbs-up.
He also expressed hope to return for the summer`s Club World Cup.
Rüdiger posted on Instagram: “After I have played more than seven month with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery. Now I`m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success. Thanks to the medical team and especially @guidospiran.”
“I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen. See you soon and take care of yourselves.”
Regardless of his recovery speed, Rüdiger is facing an extended period out due to his actions during Saturday`s Copa del Rey final, where Real lost 3-2 to rivals Barcelona.
In the closing seconds of extra-time, a furious Rüdiger threw an ice pack towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after Kylian Mbappé was deemed to have fouled Eric Garcia during Madrid`s final attack.
When the official approached the bench to show red cards, the German player had to be physically restrained by teammate Ferland Mendy and a staff member.
Rüdiger`s Public Apology
Both the former Roma player and Lucas Vázquez, who had been substituted earlier, were sent off; Vázquez for angrily running onto the pitch.
Reports suggested Rüdiger used abusive language towards the referee.
The defender issued a public apology following the chaotic scenes, which also saw Jude Bellingham red-carded after the final whistle for aggressively approaching the referee and needing to be held back.
However, the ex-Stuttgart star still potentially faces a significant 12-match ban for his conduct in the Spanish Cup final, an incident criticized by Germany`s sporting director Rudi Völler.
Rüdiger posted on Sunday: “There`s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I`m very sorry for that.”
“We played a very good game from the 2nd half on – After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake.”
“Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
