Real Madrid defender will return to the squad vs Girona after lengthy absence | OneFootball

Real Madrid travelled to Greece for tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League clash against Olympiacos with only one fit centre-back – Raul Asencio.

Eder Militao returned from the international break with an injury, while David Alaba also got sidelined last week with a muscle overload. Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen ended the Elche game with discomfort and did not train today, leading to his absence.

As for Antonio Rudiger, the German international has recovered from his injury and been training with the team for the past week. But he was left out of the squad list.

Rudiger to return against Girona

Now, according to AS, Rudiger will be ready for Real Madrid’s match against Girona on Sunday in La Liga.

The veteran defender had some chance of making the squad for the trip to Greece, although he ultimately did not despite completing the training session with the group.

Once he returns, the German international has one clear objective in mind: fighting for a starting place. At the very least, he wants to prove that he is still the same Rudiger as always, a defensive pillar.

Ready to return next week. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Rudiger believes that his latest injury, the tear in the rectus femoris of his left leg that has kept him out since the start of the season, was largely caused by rushing back after the arthroscopy performed on his knee at the end of last season.

The centre-back played with an injury for majority of the last season, until the pain and discomfort got too much and he had to undergo surgery in late April.

He missed the rest of the season but received medical clearance for the FIFA Club World Cup, returning ahead of schedule.

However, the ex-Chelsea ace suffered a muscular breakdown at the very start of the new season. It was a lesson for him, and for that reason he now wants to return only when fully recovered.

Rudiger has begun completing training sessions at full capacity with the group this week. The plan is for him to be fully ready for the Champions League match against Manchester City, by making his return vs Girona.