<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> faced Espanyol in Matchday 22 of the 2024-25 La Liga season at the RCDE Stadium, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the table. Carlo Ancelotti fielded his strongest possible lineup, but an early setback struck the team as Antonio Rudiger was forced off the pitch with an injury, raising concerns ahead of the crucial Champions League showdown against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city/">Manchester City</a>.



Despite facing relegation-threatened Espanyol, Ancelotti opted for a full-strength squad, handing Rudiger the captain’s armband. The team started well, creating early chances, but their momentum was disrupted by an unexpected injury blow.



Just 13 minutes into the game, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/antonio-rudiger/">Rudiger</a> was visibly struggling, repeatedly clutching his right hamstring. The issue worsened when he attempted to block a cross from Jofre Carreras—as soon as he landed, he went to the ground, signaling for a substitution.



The German defender was replaced by Raul Asencio in the 15th minute, walking off the pitch unassisted, offering a glimmer of relief. However, instead of joining his teammates on the bench, he headed straight to the locker room, likely for immediate medical evaluation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250201_WST_551579_Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-1200x675_46f9c528.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-551586" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/01160507/Antonio-Rudiger-Real-Madrid-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Real Madrid’s medical staff will now assess the severity of Rudiger’s injury, but the timing could not be worse. The club faces a high-stakes Madrid derby against Atletico on February 8, followed just three days later by the first leg of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> knockout round against Manchester City on February 11.


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With Ancelotti already navigating a season plagued by defensive injuries, losing one of his most reliable defenders at such a crucial stage poses a major setback for Real Madrid’s ambitions.



<h2>Who could replace Rudiger?</h2>



Despite a crippling injury crisis in defense, Real Madrid did not make any moves in the January transfer window, leaving Ancelotti with limited options:



<ul><li>Aurelien Tchouameni, primarily a midfielder, has been deployed as a makeshift center-back but has struggled to fully adapt to the role.</li><li>Jesus Vallejo, despite being a natural center-back, has played just one game all season and lacks match fitness.</li><li>Raul Asencio, the 21-year-old who replaced Rudiger, is still inexperienced at the highest level.</li></ul>



The logical choice to replace Rudiger would be David Alaba, a seasoned defender capable of matching the German’s quality and leadership. However, Alaba’s own injury struggles complicate the situation—he has played just four matches in the past year after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for 499 days.



With Manchester City looming, Ancelotti faces a major defensive dilemma. Whether Rudiger can recover in time or not, Real Madrid’s backline will need to step up to withstand the challenge of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Bad news for Real Madrid: Antonio Rudiger suffers injury, raising concerns ahead of Manchester City clash

Real Madrid suffer key Antonio Rudiger injury, raising concerns ahead of Manchester City clash - World Soccer Talk

Real Madrid suffer key Antonio Rudiger injury, raising concerns ahead of Manchester City clash

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Real Madrid find themselves in a precarious situation regarding their defensive lineup for the upcoming season. 



With only two senior centre-backs available, the club is grappling with the potential loss of another key defender.



They also risk having to do without Antonio Rudiger, amid significant interest from Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr and Al Hilal.



Nacho Fernandez’s departure to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/team/squad/_/id/22022/al-qadsiah" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Al-Qadsiah</a> and the sale of Rafa Marin to Napoli have left Los Blancos’ defense thin. Adding to their woes, David Alaba’s ACL injury is expected to sideline him until October at the earliest.



In this context, the possible exit of Rudiger would exacerbate an already critical situation for the club.



Given the current defensive situation, the La Liga champions are reportedly actively seeking reinforcements. 



Their top target is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/is-man-united-or-real-madrid-a-better-fit-for-top-young-defender/">Leny Yoro</a> from Lille. However, the French club has accepted an offer from Manchester United, complicating Madrid’s pursuit. 



But Yoro has not yet decided on a move to Old Trafford, leaving the door open for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> to negotiate.



<h2>Ronaldo and Neymar in battle for Rudiger</h2>



<a href="https://sport.sky.de/fussball/artikel/saudi-klubs-wollen-antonio-ruediger-zum-bestbezahlten-verteidiger-der-welt-machen/13177008/33895" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Sport Germany</a> have reported that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/al-nassr-offers-massive-contract-to-man-city-star-ederson/">Al-Nassr</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-is-neymar-not-playing-at-copa-america/">Al-Hilal</a> are keen on acquiring Rudiger, viewing him as the ideal candidate to lead their defenses. 



This interest is unsurprising given the German’s stellar performances over the past year. He played a pivotal role in his side’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs; cementing his status as one of the world’s top centre-backs.



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-pro-league-in-turmoil-more-players-voice-discontent-20240120-WST-484497.html">Saudi Pro League</a> have made a concerted effort to attract top talent from Europe, and Rudiger is their latest target. 



The two giants are reportedly willing to offer him a world-record salary for a defender, highlighting their determination to bring him to the Middle East. 



Last month, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfDW7v98lkc&amp;themeRefresh=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Chiringuito</a>, a prominent Spanish soccer show, revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo’s club had a $107 million offer ready for Rudiger. 



However, it seems that Al-Hilal, a rival club that also has Neymar, has joined the competition to sign the German. Despite these tempting offers, Rudiger’s contract with Real Madrid runs until 2026, and he has expressed no interest in leaving.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="433" height="522" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240714_WST_516434_image-7_5c011a43.webp&amp;width=433&amp;height=522" alt="" class="wp-image-516461" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/image-7.png 433w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/image-7-249x300.png 249w" sizes="(max-width: 433px) 100vw, 433px"></figure><figcaption>Rumors are Rudiger is being pursued by Al-HIlal and Al-Nassr.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Could situation change in future?</h2>



Nonetheless, despite the lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, Rudiger remains committed to Real Madrid. He has no plans to leave the club anytime soon, a sentiment echoed by the club’s management. 



Madrid officials supposedly have no intention of entertaining any offers for Rudiger, recognizing his crucial role in the team.



Since joining the Whites on a free transfer from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> in 2022, the 31-year-old has continued to enhance his reputation. 



After a relatively quiet debut season, he returned to top form, helping the team secure both La Liga and the Champions League titles in the 2023-24 season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting significant interest from clubs worldwide.



While Rudiger remains committed to Real Madrid for the immediate future, the situation could change next summer; especially since he will have only one year left on his contract. The lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia might become more tempting as his contract nears its end, potentially opening the door for a move.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Visionhaus.

Madrid star decides on future after astronomical wage Saudi bid

With only two senior centre-backs available, Real Madrid are grappling with the potential loss of another key defender.

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Real Madrid suffer key Antonio Rudiger injury, raising concerns ahead of Manchester City clash

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