Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has confirmed he has undergone successful knee surgery, but is targeting a return to action this season.
Rudiger was set to miss Real Madrid’s final five matches of their LaLiga campaign after being hit with a six-game ban by the Spanish FA after being sent off in Saturday’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona.
Watching on from the sidelines having been substituted, the German reacted angrily to a foul given against Kylian Mbappe in extra-time and was dismissed for throwing an ice cube at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
Rudiger did issue an apology for his behaviour towards the aforementioned official, though his suspension was announced on the same day he went an operation.
In a post on his Instagram and X accounts, Rudiger revealed the extent of his knee issues: “After I have played more than seven months 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 and especially @guidospiran.
After I have played more than seven month with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery. 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… pic.twitter.com/HhrFD3Io1u
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) April 29, 2025
“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.”
Rudiger’s injury and subsequent suspension reduces Real Madrid’s central defensive options even further. Already without Eder Militao for the season, Los Blancos are down to Raul Asencio, David Alaba and Jesus Vallejo in their pursuit of overhauling Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.
Trailing Barca by four points, Carlo Ancelotti’s side host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday before facing their bitter rivals away from home in what is shaping up to be a decisive El Clasico showdown.
