Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Rudiger Injury Update: Which Games Will the Real Madrid Star Miss?

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Real Madrid have been dealt a significant blow as the season is set to continue after the international break. Antonio Rudiger is set to miss several weeks of action after suffering a thigh injury. The German defender sustained the problem during training earlier this week, shortly after returning from international duty with Germany.

Los Blancos released an official medical statement confirming the nature of the injury. The report read, “Following tests carried out today on our player Toni Rudiger by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris muscle of his left leg. Pending evolution.”

🚨⚠️ Toni Rüdiger has been diagnosed with an injury to the anterior rectus of his left leg and will be out for around three months.

Rüdiger will try to be back by December, based on recovery evolution. pic.twitter.com/4FuyJIjPkk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 12, 2025

How Long Will Antonio Rudiger Be Out?

While the statement did not provide a specific timeline, multiple outlets in Spain have suggested that Rudiger could be sidelined for up to three months. Journalist Arancha Rodriguez has reported that the 32-year-old centre-back faces a recovery period of around 12 weeks. This means he would not return before early December.

If that timeframe holds, the German will be absent for some of Madrid’s most crucial fixtures. This includes the Madrid derby against Atletico on September 27 and the first El Clasico of the season on October 26. He is also expected to miss five Champions League group stage matches, notably against Juventus and Liverpool.

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Depending on the projected timeline of his recovery, Rudiger could miss these matches –

La Liga

(Home) vs Espanyol – September 20
(Away) vs Levante – September 24
(Away) vs Atletico Madrid – September 27
(Home) vs Villarreal – October 5
(Away) vs Getafe – October 20
(Home) vs Barcelona – October 26
(Home) vs Valencia – November 2
(Away) vs Rayo Vallenaco – November 9
(Away) vs Elche – November 23
(Away) vs Girona – November 30
(Home) vs Celta Vigo – December 7
(Away) vs Alaves – December 14

Champions League

(Home) vs Marseille – September 17
(Away) vs Kairat – September 30
(Home) vs Juventus – October 23
(Away) vs Liverpool – November 5
(Away) vs Olympiacos – November 27
(Home) vs Manchester City – December 11

Impact on Real Madrid’s Defence

Rudiger’s absence poses a challenge for head coach Xabi Alonso. He will have to navigate a demanding schedule with limited defensive options. The German defender had only featured once in La Liga this season, due to a suspension in the opening game.

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However, his leadership and experience remain vital. Fortunately for Madrid, reinforcements are in place. In this summer transfer window, they signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. Him, coupled with the return of Eder Militao from a long-term injury, gives Alonso some flexibility.

David Alaba and Raul Asencio are also available for rotation. Youngster Joan Martinez may also find opportunities to step up. Despite these options, the blow remains significant. Rudiger’s absence reduces depth when Madrid are expected to compete strongly both domestically and in Europe.

Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.