Real Madrid star set for starting World Cup role after injury blow | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger is in line for an increase in prominence on the international stage over the weeks ahead.

This comes amid the understanding that the experienced defender is being readied for a return to starting duties in the colours of Germany.

Rüdiger has for his part been forced to make do with a place on the bench for Germany’s first two group stage fixtures at the World Cup, with boss Julian Nagelsmann having opted for a centre-back pairing of Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck.

The latter, however, suffered an injury setback over the weekend.

En route to Die Mannschaft’s 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire, Schlotterbeck was hooked from proceedings at the interval. It has since been revealed that the Borussia Dortmund standout is expected to miss the remainder of the World Cup, owing to an ankle injury.

And according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg:

‘Antonio Rüdiger is expected to replace him for the time being.’

Conor Laird – GSFN