Real Madrid received bad news ahead of their match against Atletico Madrid as Antonio Rudiger was unable to train due to an injury. 

Real Madrid have been struck with unfortunate news as Antonio Rudiger, their dependable defender, is still sidelined with a thigh injury and has not yet resumed training, just ahead of their much-anticipated derby against Atletico. According to reports from Marca, the German center-back sustained the injury during the recent victory over Getafe and has been unable to rejoin the training sessions. With this setback, manager Ancelotti has devised a contingency plan, considering deploying Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal as makeshift centre-backs, an approach outlined by The Athletic‘s Mario Cortegana.

Despite Rudiger’s impressive 21 appearances in La Liga this season, his consistent presence in the squad now faces uncertainty due to this recent injury. His absence was particularly felt in the 5-1 triumph over Valencia, as he was serving a suspension, and the limited 45-minute stint against Getafe left questions regarding his fitness for the upcoming high-stakes fixture against Atletico Madrid.

Since joining Real Madrid in 2022, Rudiger has notably featured in 83 matches for the club, contributing significantly on the field. His tenure has also been accompanied by a collection of noteworthy titles, including the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Cup, and the Spanish Super Cup. As the team faces the challenges ahead, there is a collective hope for Rudiger’s swift recovery, especially with Real currently leading La Liga by two points over Girona and holding a substantial 10-point advantage over third-placed Atletico. The team and fans alike will be eagerly anticipating his return to the fold to bolster their defensive line and contribute to the pursuit of further successes.