Defender has been recovering from surgery after a meniscus tear and is now raring to go
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is eager to return to the pitch after several weeks away, as he continues to recover from surgery that addressed a meniscus problem.
The Germany international went through the procedure after Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, following months of playing through discomfort. Medical personnel predicted that he would be out for six to eight weeks, but the player has made an early return to training and is now working towards full fitness.
While the goal for the club is to make sure he is fully ready for next season, Rudiger himself is itching in his boots to get on the field. Madrid have two games left in the group stages: first against Mexican side Pachuca and then the last game on 27 June against Austrian side RB Salzburg. While he might have a cameo in one of those games, the German may be more likely to feature in later stages of the competition, when his experience and power would be needed against tougher sides than Madrid’s group stage opponents.
When the La Liga season begins, Rudiger would have to make a case to feature ahead of Madrid’s current options at centre-back. Dean Huijsen, signed for £50m from Bournemouth this summer, made his debut against Al-Hilal on Wednesday. The Spain international was paired with Raul Ascencio, who signed a new contract last week keeping him at the club until 2031. Both players are expected to be a key part of the back line under Xabi Alonso.
However, Alonso switching from a back four to a back three is still a possibility. It was a system he used to great success at Bayer Leverkusen, and one that would give Rudiger a better chance of playing, since an additional centre-back is required and the former Chelsea man knows the setup well from his days under Thomas Tuchel at the Premier League club.
