Injury setback not expected to keep Real Madrid mainstay out of second leg against Man City – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been sidelined due to an injury, but there is hope that he will be ready for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout clash against Manchester City, reports Melchor Ruiz.

The player was initially concerned that his issue might be a simple overload, but medical tests revealed the problem to be more serious. Rudiger has suffered a tear in his right femoral biceps, which has led to him being ruled out for several key fixtures.

This injury has come as a significant blow to Real Madrid, as the club will be without Rudiger for the upcoming matches.

He will miss the crucial Madrid derby, and the outlook for his return is not optimistic, with the player unlikely to feature in the first leg against Manchester City at the Etihad.

However, the club has set an ambitious target for Rudiger to be fit for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, although this timeline might be overly optimistic.

There is optimism

Antonio Rudiger is certain to miss the Madrid Derby. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

According to medical sources, Rudiger is expected to be out for around 17 days due to the severity of the tear. This means he will miss the Copa del Rey match against Leganes, the derby, the Champions League clash at the Etihad, and the league match against Osasuna.

The timing of this injury has left Real Madrid in a difficult position, as they are now without one of their key centre-backs during a crucial period in the season.

After the Osasuna game, Real Madrid will face Manchester City at home in the second leg of their Champions League tie, and reports suggest that Rudiger might be able to recover in time for that match.

If this proves to be the case, his return could be a major boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they look to progress further in the competition.