Overview
- Antonio Rüdiger sustained a right leg muscle injury during Real Madrid's 1-0 loss to Espanyol on Saturday and is expected to be out for two to three weeks.
- The injury leaves Real Madrid with only one fully fit senior center back, David Alaba, who is still regaining form following a long-term ACL injury.
- Real Madrid is already without Éder Militão for the season due to an ACL tear, while Dani Carvajal is another defensive absentee.
- The injury threatens to disrupt Real Madrid's preparations for their Champions League playoff first leg against Manchester City on February 11.
- With the transfer window closing on February 3, Real Madrid may consider a last-minute defensive signing to address their depleted backline.