The matches Antonio Rudiger will miss for Real Madrid following hamstring injury | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger’s injury, which forced him to leave the match against Espanyol just 15 minutes in, has been fully assessed, and it is clear that he will be sidelined for at least 17 days.

This timeline is the standard recovery estimate for this type of muscle rupture. As a result, he will miss several crucial matches, including the Cup clash against Leganes, the derby, the upcoming fixture at the Etihad, and the match against Osasuna.

The key question, however, is whether Rudiger will be fit in time for the return leg against Manchester City. The injury is expected to leave him out for 17 days, which means his recovery period will be very tight.

Matches Rudiger will miss

While it is technically possible for him to return just in time, this would require not only recovery but also adequate training to regain his match fitness and avoid the risk of further injury.

Given this, medical sources suggest that he will most likely not play in the Manchester City return match unless there is an exceptional recovery. They emphasize that a “miracle” would be required for him to make it in time.

Antonio Rudiger was injured against Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

To begin with, Real Madrid will feel his absence in their away game against Leganes in Copa del Rey, followed by the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.

Ever after that, Madrid have three matches to play – the away tie against Manchester City in UCL, the away game against Osasuna and the second leg against the Premier League side.

Worry for Real Madrid

The injury has left manager Carlo Ancelotti with a serious dilemma. The team is now without several key centre-backs. With Rudiger and Militao injured, and Vallejo not being a regular option, the only remaining fit centre-back is David Alaba.

While Alaba is nearing the final stages of his recovery, he still requires additional practice sessions to reach full match readiness.

The current situation has forced Ancelotti into a difficult position, as Alaba’s return to competitive action will need to be expedited.

Originally, Alaba was not expected to start in the upcoming matches, with the plan being to ease him back into the lineup gradually. Now, Alaba’s return is even more urgent, and he may have to go from near-zero fitness to match readiness in a very short time.