Why is Rodrygo not playing for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich in Champions League quarterfinal 2nd leg?
Brazilian star Rodrygo is Madrid’s main attacking absentee as they look to turn the tie around in Germany.
Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Harry Kane and Michael Olise headline some of world soccer’s most dangerous attacking talent set to feature when Bayern Munich host Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday. However, one star forward will not be on the pitch: Rodrygo, who is only a few weeks into a long recovery from an ACL tear.
Rodrygo recovery timeline: When will he be back for Real Madrid?
The Brazil international suffered the injury during a 1-0 defeat to Getafe on March 2 and underwent successful surgery soon after. It was later reported that Rodrygo had been managing a partial ACL tear since 2023, though it did not previously prevent him from playing.
As a result of the injury, the 25-year-old will be sidelined for the remainder of the season and will also miss the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The best-case scenario would see Rodrygo return to action in late 2026, although there are no guarantees. It could even be 2027 before he is fully back on the field.
Limited role in a transitional season at Real Madrid
Although a key player under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo has struggled to make the same impact this season under Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.
The Brazilian started only 10 games this campaign, six in LaLiga and two in the Champions League, before his injury. He scored just three goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, mostly from the bench, and averaged under 41 minutes per game.
Since joining Real Madrid at the age of 18 in 2019, Rodrygo has scored 71 goals in 297 appearances. During that time, he has won 13 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: date, time, how to watch
In the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Bayern and Madrid meet at 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT on Wednesday, April 15. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on Paramount+, DAZN USA, TUDN USA, Univisión USA, Univisión NOW and ViX. You can also follow live-text commentary at AS USA.
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