Comeback date set as injured Real Madrid mainstay poised to return ahead of schedule | OneFootball

For eight months this season, Real Madrid defensive mainstay Antonio Rudiger played through severe pain in his knee, taking painkillers, knowing that undergoing surgery would further deplete the team’s defensive resources.

Following the Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona, during which the defender’s condition worsened, and he was hit with a six-game ban, he made the decision to go under the knife.

Rudiger underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee in the hope of being fit for the FIFA Club World Cup starting in June, although it was considered nearly impossible at the time.

Rudiger set for early return

However, according to AS, there is major good news for Real Madrid as Rudiger’s recovery has progressed very well, putting him in the fray for the Club World Cup.

Originally, the club’s medical team estimated a minimum recovery time of eight weeks. But the veteran centre-back is on track to return sooner.

On track for early return. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Since being operated on by Dr Manuel Leyes on 29 April, the German international has undergone an intensive recovery routine, working tirelessly in the gym and his efforts are paying off.

Rudiger is enjoying a few days of well-deserved rest in his country. When he returns to Valdebebas on 2 June, with Xabi Alonso at the helm, he will start running on the pitch as he enters the final phase of his recovery.

The expectation is that he will travel with the squad to the United States and may even be available for Real Madrid’s second group-stage match in the Club World Cup, against Pachuca, on 22 June.

“Toni is very confident that he can be useful at the Club World Cup,” club insiders say.

Given the shortage of defenders, that would be a major boost for new manager Xabi Alonso. By then, it will have been seven weeks since his operation.