Real Madrid's Injury Crisis Deepens as Atletico Derby Looms Large
Real Madrid's buildup to Thursday's Super Cup semifinal clash with Atlético Madrid has been disrupted by center-back Antonio Rüdiger's absence from team practice, according to emerging reports.
Los Blancos, already dealing with the loss of star striker Kylian Mbappé due to injury, have faced ongoing defensive fitness issues throughout the campaign, with Rüdiger previously sidelined for 15 matches across all tournaments due to a hamstring problem.
After returning to action in late November, Rüdiger has been steadily working back to full fitness, but according to MARCA and AS, he is now experiencing knee discomfort.
The German center-back was absent from Wednesday's group training session, instead completing individual work after informing the club's medical team about his injury concern.
A definitive call on Rüdiger's availability for Thursday's crucial encounter is likely to be postponed until the last moment, with coach Xabi Alonso already facing limited defensive options.
Real Madrid's Defensive Injury Crisis Deepens
If Rüdiger cannot recover in time to participate, Alonso would have only two senior center-backs available for Thursday's match.
The struggling Dean Huijsen is expected to start for Madrid partnering Raúl Asencio. David Alaba has made the trip to Saudi Arabia but isn't considered a realistic starter, having not played since recovering from a calf problem.
At right-back, Alonso has kept the possibility open for minutes from returning Dani Carvajal, especially since Trent Alexander-Arnold also completed individual training on Wednesday. Worries about the English player's fitness aren't believed to be significant.
Youth team defender David Jiménez has been called up to Alonso's squad to bolster numbers ahead of a match that could significantly influence the manager's future at the Bernabéu.
Though a 5–1 victory over Real Betis certainly reduced pressure, a strong showing at the Super Cup has long been viewed as vital to Alonso's chances of retaining his position. Reaching the final, where they would face Barcelona, might determine the coach's destiny.