Overview
- The pause was agreed by club and player so he can focus on rehabilitation following late-September surgery.
- The 32-year-old is targeting a mid-December 2025 return to first-team action, according to Spanish reports.
- Rüdiger’s preference is to stay at Real Madrid, with any renewal expected to follow proof of full fitness.
- Saudi Pro League clubs are said to be readying lucrative proposals, and Chelsea have not closed the door on a reunion.
- Madrid value his leadership with younger defenders and plan further defensive reinforcement in 2026, with Ibrahima Konaté linked and David Alaba’s renewal described as complicated.