Madrid Universal
·10 January 2026
Key Real Madrid defender does not want to miss Super Cup showdown despite discomfort

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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·10 January 2026

Real Madrid’s preparations for the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona have been overshadowed by growing concern in defence, with Antonio Rudiger’s fitness now a major talking point.
According to a report from Miguel Angel Diaz, the German centre-back is continuing to receive treatment for discomfort in his left knee, yet remains determined not to miss Sunday’s Clásico final.
The issue surfaced shortly after Real Madrid’s hard-fought victory over Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup semi-final.
The day after that encounter, the squad trained behind closed doors in Jeddah, with all eyes on the condition of several key players.
Rudiger, who was substituted during the semi-final, was one of the main concerns after it became clear that he had been playing through physical discomfort.
This situation is particularly delicate given Rudiger’s recent injury history.
Earlier in the season, the defender spent two and a half months on the sidelines after suffering an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left leg.

Rudiger does not want to miss the Super Cup final. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
That setback forced him to miss 15 matches, which is why the club is keen to avoid a repeat scenario.
Despite the growing pessimism around his availability, Rudiger has not given up hope, as the defender is pushing hard, doing everything possible to be fit in time for the final.
His leadership, mere physical presence and experience make him a key figure for Real Madrid, particularly in a match of this intensity.
However, medical caution remains the priority, and no final decision has been taken.
As things stand, all indications suggest that Rudiger is more likely to miss the final than start it.
That reality would further complicate matters for Real Madrid and increase the challenge facing the coaching staff. For now, the situation remains open, but time is running out.









































