Real Madrid is facing a significant setback as their experienced defender, Antonio Rüdiger (31), is projected to be out of action for the next three months. The German international sustained a severe muscle injury during the recent international break, which consequently rules him out of Tuesday`s crucial Champions League fixture against Olympique de Marseille.
The club has officially confirmed that Rüdiger suffered an anterior muscle lesion in his left leg while on duty with the German national team. He had notably featured in Germany`s World Cup qualifying victories against Slovakia (2-0) and Northern Ireland (3-1). This unfortunate setback means that the earliest the commanding defender is expected to return to play is December.
Since the commencement of the La Liga season, the former Chelsea center-back has made limited appearances, featuring only once for a full 90 minutes against newly-promoted Oviedo. Coach Xabi Alonso has been actively rotating his squad in his search for the ideal defensive partnership. For the upcoming high-stakes match against Marseille, Real Madrid is now expected to line up with Éder Militão alongside 19-year-old summer signing Dean Huijsen in the central defensive roles.
This critical injury update for Real Madrid coincides with Marseille`s own intense preparations for their highly anticipated return to the Champions League stage. Roberto De Zerbi`s side hosted Lorient in Ligue 1 on Friday, strategically resting key forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of their trip to the Bernabéu. Furthermore, there are lingering concerns regarding Amine Gouiri`s fitness, as he was forced off before half-time in their last match following a collision with Bamo Meïté.
