Real Madrid's Super Cup Dreams Crumble as Three Key Stars Ruled Out in Devastating Injury Crisis
Real Madrid face anxious moments regarding the availability of Rodrygo, Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio before their clash with Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Carlo Ancelotti's squad defeated city rivals Atlético Madrid 2–1 on Thursday night to secure a Clásico showdown for Spain's opening major silverware of the 2025–26 campaign. The victory at King Fahd International Stadium was overshadowed, however, by new fitness worries.
Rüdiger and Asencio were both substituted in the 69th minute. The German defender, who was questionable for the semifinal encounter due to knee issues, seems to have the more serious concern of the pair, and will receive additional medical evaluation to assess his condition's extent.
Asencio's issue was considerably less concerning, according to COPE, and Real Madrid remain hopeful the center-back will be available for Sunday's championship match. Should Rüdiger be unable to feature alongside him, then Dean Huijsen could make his debut appearance of the calendar year against Barcelona's formidable offensive unit.
A complication in Asencio's fitness, however, might compel Ancelotti to again utilize fullback Álvaro Carreras in the central defensive role. Natural midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni represents another alternative; both players completed Thursday's capital city derby in the heart of defense due to the squad's defensive injury crisis.
Fielding such an improvised defensive line against players like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres could prove catastrophic for Real Madrid. Negative updates from Los Blancos' medical team in the upcoming days might determine whether they claim Spanish Super Cup triumph or settle for second place.
Question Marks Surround Rodrygo, Mbappé's Statuses
An even greater concern than a significant injury to either Rüdiger or Asencio would be missing Rodrygo for the Clásico final. The Brazilian winger required medical attention on the field following a challenge with Julián Alvarez during the semifinal's closing moments before being withdrawn in the 87th minute.
COPE indicates Rodrygo is experiencing hamstring issues and will undergo a final fitness assessment to determine his participation in the Spanish Super Cup final. The attacking player has displayed outstanding form for Real Madrid, contributing six goals and assists across his previous five starting appearances.
Ancelotti cannot afford to lose Rodrygo's offensive output considering Vinicius Junior's recent scoring difficulties. The Brazilian No. 7 has failed to score in his past 15 matches wearing the white jersey.
Real Madrid will anxiously await Rodrygo's medical results leading up to their encounter with Barcelona. They will also hope that Kylian Mbappé can participate.
The French striker, who initially remained in Madrid due to a knee problem, surprisingly joined the team in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia before the final. Ancelotti confirmed Mbappé is "much improved" and "feeling positive."
Whether the club's top scorer will be match-ready to start against the Catalan side remains uncertain.