Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger sidelined following knee surgery

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger is set to be out of action for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury on Tuesday.

The German international sustained the injury during his side’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, a match in which he was also sent off for throwing an object at the referee in a moment of frustration.

In an official statement, Real Madrid confirmed the procedure but did not specify the duration of his recovery. “Rüdiger underwent surgery today for a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee,” the club announced.

Nonetheless, reports in the Spanish media suggest the 32-year-old could be sidelined for six to eight weeks. There is hope he will return in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on 14 June in the United States.

Rüdiger was substituted during extra time in Madrid’s dramatic 3–2 loss to Barcelona in Seville. He later received a red card after confronting match officials from the touchline.

La Liga’s disciplinary committee is expected to impose a suspension ranging from four to twelve matches for his conduct.

Real Madrid currently sit second in the La Liga table, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points with five matches left to play. The two rivals are set to meet again on 11 May at the Olympic Stadium.