Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger is expected to miss this weekend’s league match due to illness, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Rüdiger has been one of the few Madrid defenders to avoid major injuries this season. The German centre-back was sidelined for four games last month with a muscular issue but returned to play a key role in consecutive European victories against Manchester City and, most recently, Atletico.
However, the defender is now a significant doubt for Sunday’s league match against Rayo Vallecano, according to AS. Rüdiger missed Saturday’s training session with flu-like symptoms and is also dealing with knee discomfort, raising questions about his participation in the second leg of Madrid’s last-16 tie against Atletico. Real Madrid hold a narrow 2-1 lead heading into the decisive away match.
Carlo Ancelotti remained tight-lipped about Rüdiger’s fitness during his pre-match press conference but confirmed the availability of Federico Valverde. The versatile Uruguayan played through discomfort to deliver a standout performance against Atletico in midweek, leaving Ancelotti in awe.
Despite his physical issues, Valverde is expected to feature this weekend wherever Ancelotti sees fit. “He’s fine, available,” the Italian coach assured. “He arrived just before the Atletico match but has improved and is in good condition. He can play.”
Ancelotti also discussed Valverde’s preferred roles: “I know he least enjoys playing as a right winger. He prefers to be a pivot, an inside midfielder, or even a full-back. In the future, he’ll be one of the best, if he isn’t already. He’s the best midfielder in the world, the best full-back… But his future lies in the middle of the pitch.”
With Rüdiger likely sidelined, David Alaba is expected to partner Raúl Asencio in defense against Rayo this weekend. However, it remains uncertain whether Alaba, who is recovering from a serious ACL injury, will be fit enough to start against Atletico just three days later.
