In Madrid, this Tuesday, Real Madrid’s defender Antonio Rüdiger underwent surgery to address a meniscus tear in his left knee. The medical procedure was reported as a success, though the club has not specified a timeline for his return to the pitch. It is anticipated that his recovery will span several weeks, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season.
Rüdiger has shared that the decision to undergo surgery was imperative as he experienced significant pain for over seven months. He expressed relief at being free from pain post-surgery. Sharing photos from the hospital, where he could be seen in a bed and using crutches, Rüdiger communicated his eagerness to resume playing. He mentioned that two significant tournaments, the Nations League and the Club World Cup, are on the horizon. However, he acknowledged the need to assess his progress weekly while pledging to do all he can to expedite his return.
The need for surgery arose after Rüdiger had to be substituted during the additional time of Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. His frustration during the match was clear as the defender was seen shouting at the referee from the bench and, at one point, threw a small bag of ice onto the playing field. Following the incident, Rüdiger issued an apology for his actions, but the situation drew criticism.
Former German international, Dietmar Hamann, suggested that Rüdiger should be excluded from Germany’s squad for the Nations League finals, a sentiment echoed by Rudi Völler, the sporting director of the German national team. Völler emphasized the necessity for the player to demonstrate decorum and respect towards others.
Germany is slated to face Portugal in the Nations League semifinals in Munich on June 4, while Real Madrid is scheduled to play their first Club World Cup match in the United States on June 18. The looming question remains whether Rüdiger will be fit to participate in these significant games.