🤕 Rüdiger a doubt for Madrid, will he make it for tonight's derby? | OneFootball

Real Madrid faces a last-minute setback ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético de Madrid. Antonio Rüdiger is now doubtful for the derby taking place tonight.

According to Cadena COPE this morning, the German center-back is dealing with physical discomfort that could keep him out of the starting lineup. The report, first shared by journalist Miguel Ángel Díaz, indicates that the player is suffering from knee problems. 

However, his participation has not been completely ruled out. Early Thursday afternoon, MARCA reported that the player would be available for tonight’s match against Atlético de Madrid.

What alternative does Xabi have?

If the German is unable to recover in time for the match, Real Madrid would have to rely on a makeshift defense. All signs point to Huijsen and Asencio forming an unprecedented center-back partnership to stop the rojiblanco attack. 

Rüdiger, a worrying case

Rüdiger’s physical condition is especially concerning given his recent history in the infirmary. It’s worth remembering that the defender was already out for more than two months between September and November 2025 due to a thigh injury. This new knee issue raises uncertainty about whether the player is suffering from wear and tear due to a lack of rotation.

Xabi Alonso will wait until the last moment to decide whether to include the Berlin center-back. The final decision will depend on the player’s feelings during the pre-match activation tests in Arabia. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Florencia Tan Jun - 2026 Getty Images