Real Madrid defender, Antonio Rudiger, is set for a two-month spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surger sustained during his side’s recent Copa del Rey final clash against Barcelona.
The German centre-back, who was shown a red card for throwing an object at the referee during the heated encounter in Seville, could be out for as long as eight weeks.
Rudiger’s dismissal followed his substitution during extra time in Madrid’s 3-2 loss to their fierce rivals.
The incident, which saw him ejected from the bench after aggressively protesting a decision, may also see him slapped with a suspension ranging from four to 12 matches.
In an official statement, Real Madrid confirmed the procedure, “Rudiger underwent surgery today for a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee.” However, the club did not specify the timeline for his recovery.
According to Spanish outlets, the 32-year-old is likely to be out for six to eight weeks.
Despite the setback, there remains hope that Rudiger could return in time to feature in the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14.
With five La Liga games left this season, Madrid currently sit second, four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
The two teams are set to face off once again on May 11 at the Olympic Stadium.
