Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has undergone successful surgery to repair a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left knee, ending a painful seven-month struggle with the injury.
The 32-year-old German international confirmed the operation on his social media, saying, “After I have played more than seven months with severe pain, it was unfortunately unavoidable that I had to undergo a meniscus surgery. Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success.” He expressed gratitude to the medical team and his eagerness to return to play soon.
Rüdiger sustained the injury during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, where he was substituted in extra time and later received a red card for an on-field incident. Real Madrid’s medical staff performed the surgery under the supervision of Dr. Manuel Leyes, and the club announced that Rüdiger will soon begin his recovery process.
Sources indicate that Rüdiger is expected to be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks, which will rule him out for the remainder of the La Liga season and put his participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June in doubt. Despite this, Rüdiger remains optimistic about returning in time for both the Club World Cup and Germany’s Nations League matches.
“I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen,” he said.
The defender’s absence adds to Real Madrid’s defensive challenges, with other key players also sidelined due to injuries. The club aims for Rüdiger to be fully fit for preseason without taking unnecessary risks during his recovery.