Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger could miss as many as two months after undergoing knee surgery, according to multiple reports.
The German defender pulled up in the closing stages of normal time during last Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. After extensive strapping was applied to both his knees, Rudiger returned to the pitch yet was clearly struggling for mobility while Ferran Torres scuttled between him and Thibaut Courtois to equalise before the Catalans eventually won the game in extra time.
Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that Rudiger had undergone surgery on a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee. MARCA reported that the 32-year-old would be out of action for between four and six weeks, while Fabrizio Romano suggested that it would be closer to two months.
Regardless of the exact diagnosis, it's highly unlikely that Rudiger will play any part in the remainder of Real Madrid's domestic campaign, which concludes on 25 May.
Rudiger posted two images of himself post-surgery with an encouraging message to fans. "After I have played more than seven month with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery," he wrote. "Now I'm finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success.
"Thanks to the medical team. I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen. See you soon and take care of yourselves."
Madrid's Club World Cup campaign kicks off against Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal on 18 June, roughly seven weeks after his surgery date.
There's never a good time for an injury, but Rudiger may have missed Madrid's conclusion to the season regardless of his fitness. The object which he sent hurtling towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa del Rey final was an ice pack on his knee. That "aggressive" act, as described in the official's match report, could result in a ban of between four and 12 games.
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