Official: Real Madrid recover key player for Pachuca showdown | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been handed a timely boost ahead of their second FIFA Club World Cup group stage match, as Antonio Rudiger has returned to Xabi Alonso’s squad for the Pachuca showdown.

The German defender has recovered from a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, an injury he picked up on April 29. He is now fit enough to travel with the team for the all-important Club World Cup clash.

Rudiger’s last appearance for the clun came in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, a match Real Madrid lost to Barcelona.

While he is not expected to start against the Mexian team, the experienced centre-back is set to be available from the bench, with young defenders Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen likely to form the starting centre-back pairing.

Mbappe and Camavinga remain sidelined

Xabi Alonso’s squad list for the crucial game against Pachuca does not include Kylian Mbappe, who is still recovering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis that ruled him out of the team’s tournament opener, a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in Miami.

The French forward has not trained fully and will continue his recovery away from the matchday squad.

Also missing is Eduardo Camavinga. The midfielder is still nursing a tendon injury in his left adductor and has yet to complete full training with the team. The club remains cautious about rushing him back, aiming for a full recovery before reintegration.

With qualification stakes rising in Group H, Rudiger’s return adds experience and depth to Madrid’s back line at a crucial moment.

Although the German defender is largely expected to be a substitute, his mere presence in the matchday squad will be a huge boost for the team from the Spanish capital.