Real Madrid Met Espanyol in Matchday 22 in the La Liga season 2024-25 at RCDE Stadium, which aims to maintain its position at the top of the table. Carlo Ancelotti Fields his strongest possible range, but an early setback struck the team as Antonio Rudiger forced off the plan with an injury, raises concern for the crucial Champions League -Showdown against Manchester City.
Although he met relegated-threatened Espanyol, Ancelotti chose a full-strength squad and handed over Rudiger the captain’s bracelet. The team started well and created early chances, But their momentum was disturbed by an unexpected pest.
Only 13 minutes into the game, Rudiger struggled visibly and repeatedly kept his right hamstring. The question worsened when he tried to block a cross from Jofre Carreras– When he landed, he went to the ground and signaled for a substitution.
The German defender was replaced by Raul Asencio in the 15th minuteGo off the pitch without assisted and offers a glimpse of relief. But instead of going with their teammates on the bench, He went straight to the dressing roomProbably for immediate medical evaluation.
Real Madrid’s medical personnel will now assess the severity of Rudiger’s injury, but the time could not be worse. The club is facing a high effort Madrid Derby against Atletico on February 8, followed just three days later by First stage of the Champions League -Knockout round against Manchester City on February 11.
With Ancelotti already navigating a season tormented by defensive injuries, losing one of their most reliable defenders At such a decisive stage, a major setback for Real Madrid’s ambitions is a major setback.
Who can replace Rudiger?
Despite a crushing injury crisis in defense, Real Madrid made no features in the transfer window in January and left Ancelotti with limited alternatives:
- Aurelien Tchouameniprimarily a midfielder, has been distributed as a provisional center back but has struggled to fully adapt to the role.
- Jesus VallejoAlthough it is a natural center back, has only played one match all season and lacks match fitness.
- Raul AssenciThe 21-year-old who replaced Rudiger is still inexperienced at the highest level.
The logical choice to replace Rudiger would be David AlabaAn experienced defender who can match German quality and leadership. Alaba’s own injury struggle, however, complicates the situation – he has played only four matches in the past year after recovering from a knee injury that sideways for 499 days.
With Manchester City Truar, Ancelotti is facing a large defensive dilemma. Whether Rudiger can recover in time or not, Real Madrid’s backline will have to go up to resist the challenge of Pep Guardiola’s side.
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