Real Madrid veteran set to start and to play through pain vs Atletico in Super Cup semifinal | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger’s fitness has been a constant topic of discussion in the Spanish media today, especially with his participation against Atletico Madrid in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup hanging in the balance.

News first broke out that the player was a major doubt for tonight’s clash owing to discomfort in his knee, and it appeared set that Dean Huijsen would start alongside Raul Asencio to provide cover in the department.

Surprisingly, word then broke out that the player’s injury was just a scare and that tests revealed a very minor setback. The development enabled his participation in the game once more.

Starting, but with concern

Now, as relayed by Miguel Angel Diaz, Rudiger is set to start tonight and the manager has made his decision for the German international to play from the get-go despite his injury scare.

The news, however, comes with caution as it adds that Rudiger is indeed still suffering from knee discomfort.

Set to play vs Atletico. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The veteran defender will start, as he has decided to play through the pain and force himself through the game to help the team in the competition.

While Rudiger’s participation is a massive boost to Xabi Alonso’s plans, the idea that he is playing through discomfort once more is worrying.

After all, the player just underwent surgery last year and his playing through injury undoubtedly puts him at the risk of a relapse that Real Madrid simply cannot afford at this point in time.

So far this season, Rudiger has played seven league games for Real Madrid and even played 89 minutes in the recent win over Real Betis. He averages over seven defensive actions per game and has overseen three clean sheets in that duration.

The manager, thus, may well reconsider this decision to start Rudiger, although if the decision has been made, he will hope that the player can produce a special display without risking any aggravation.