Real Madrid has been dealt a major blow ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Girona and their upcoming Champions League fixture. The LaLiga giants confirmed on Saturday that their defender Antonio Rüdiger has suffered a thigh injury, leaving them without any fit center-backs for these crucial matches.
With just two points separating Real Madrid and Girona at the top of LaLiga, the absence of key defenders presents a significant challenge for the league leaders. Already missing Eder Militão and David Alaba due to ACL tears in August and December respectively, as well as Nacho Fernandez with a muscle strain, the injury crisis in their defense is exacerbated by Rüdiger’s latest setback.
Rüdiger’s Diagnosis
In a statement released by Real Madrid, they revealed the extent of Rüdiger’s injury. According to their medical services, the player has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the vastus lateralis of the left thigh. The severity of the injury and the expected recovery time remain uncertain at this stage, as his progress is still pending.
Initial Dismissal
Rüdiger initially suffered the injury during a challenge with Getafe forward Mason Greenwood on February 1. However, the seriousness of the issue was disregarded at first, dismissing it as a mere knock. But as time progressed, it became evident that Rüdiger’s injury was more severe than initially thought.
Hopes for a Return
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism about Rüdiger’s fitness in a press conference. He stated that Rüdiger trained for the first time and felt good, but a late fitness test would determine whether he would be available for the Girona match. Ancelotti made it clear that the player’s well-being would be prioritized, and they wouldn’t risk his condition if he wasn’t fully fit.
In Rüdiger’s absence, Ancelotti revealed his plan for the defense against Girona. Full-back Dani Carvajal, who previously filled in as a center-back against Atletico Madrid, will partner with midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni to form a makeshift backline. This unconventional defensive pairing is a result of the injury crisis that Madrid is currently facing.
Real Madrid has faced a series of injury problems throughout the season. Alongside the defensive casualties, key figures like goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL tear in August, and star forward Vinícius Júnior, who has been absent for over two months due to hamstring problems, have contributed to the club’s resilience in maintaining their position at the top of the LaLiga table.
As the crucial matches against Girona and RB Leipzig approach, Real Madrid finds itself in a race against time to address their defensive setbacks. The absence of experienced center-backs poses a challenge for Ancelotti and his team. With the title race in LaLiga heating up and the Champions League knockout stage looming, Real Madrid must find a way to cope with these injuries and continue their quest for silverware.