Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is set to be sidelined for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained during his team’s Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.
The German centre-back was sent off in the closing stages of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat in Seville for throwing an object at the referee, an incident that may result in a suspension ranging between four and twelve matches.
“Rudiger underwent surgery today for a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee,” Real Madrid confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday, though the club did not provide a specific recovery timeline.
According to reports in the Spanish media, the 32-year-old is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. If his recovery stays on track, Rudiger could return in time for the Club World Cup in the United States, which kicks off on June 14.
Rudiger had been substituted during extra time before his heated sideline protests led to his dismissal. The incident added further frustration for Madrid, who remain four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona with five games left in the season. The arch-rivals are set to clash again on May 11 at the Olympic Stadium, a match Rudiger will now likely miss.
