Real Madrid suffer major Champions League blow with Manchester City on the horizon
With Eder Militão and Dani Carvajal already absent, Carlo Ancelotti has been dealt another big potential problem in defence.
Real Madrid haven’t had their injury problems to seek in recent times and Carlo Ancelotti has now been dealt another huge potential blow just 10 days before the mouthwatering Champions League knockout playoff first leg against Manchester City.
Antonio Rüdiger injured against Espanyol: what happened?
In Saturday’s LaLiga game away to Espanyol, central defender Antonio Rüdiger was forced off the field after only 15 minutes, with youngster Raúl Asencio taking his place.
The German fell to the ground clutching the back of his right leg moments after sticking it out in an attempt to block a cross. There was no Espanyol player near him, with a muscle injury almost certainly the cause.
Rudiger injured ahead of Man City game 😭 pic.twitter.com/pVvhv3jaG1
— Valv (fan) (@ValvRmfc) February 1, 2025
With just over a week to go until Madrid face City in the bid to reach the Champions League last 16, there will now be serious questions over Rüdiger’s availability. Even if he does play, it appears unlikely he will be 100% fit.
Real Madrid’s defensive injuries
Ancelotti is already without first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal and Rüdiger’s normal central defensive partner, Eder Militão, both of whom are recovering from ACL tears.
David Alaba is now available again after suffering the same injury but would go into a huge European game having barely played for over a year.
Who would replace Rüdiger against Manchester City?
If Rüdiger isn’t ultimately fit to face City, Madrid may be forced into fielding 21-year-old Asencio alongside midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense. The Frenchman has played the role a number of times already this season, but has been regularly criticized.
Alternatively, Alaba could be thrown in at the deep end. The Austrian has had just 70 minutes of first-team action since December 2023.
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