Antonio Rüdiger: Bad news for the 32-year-old veteran

A few hours before Real Madrid’s crucial La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, the club faces a worrying situation. Antonio Rüdiger, one of Madrid’s most experienced defenders, is now a major doubt for the encounter. The 32-year-old German missed the last training session, sparking concerns about his availability.

Rüdiger has been struggling with physical issues, particularly concerning his knees, which have shown signs of weakness in recent months. With the season reaching its decisive phase, Real Madrid cannot afford to lose key players. Carlo Ancelotti is already managing a squad hit by injuries, and Rüdiger’s potential absence only adds to the coach’s selection headaches.

On the eve of their La Liga fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid’s technical staff had already ruled out Dani Ceballos and other long-term absentees. Now, Rüdiger’s name might be added to that list, raising concerns about the team’s defensive stability. The German’s leadership at the back has been crucial, and his absence could be a significant blow.

Reports from Marca suggest that Rüdiger is suffering from the flu, which prevented him from participating in Saturday’s training session. Unlike Federico Valverde, who trained with the squad despite minor issues, Rüdiger was restricted to indoor exercises. Given his condition, he is expected to be rested against Rayo Vallecano, with a potential return on Monday.

🚨| Rüdiger is DOUBTFUL for the match against Rayo because he has the FLU. ✅❌ @GuillermoRai_ pic.twitter.com/0Aj06lsQgu

— RMadrid actu 🇫🇷 (@RMadrid_actu) March 8, 2025

Ancelotti and his coaching staff are now considering alternatives for the central defense pairing against Vallecano. The likely combination will be Raúl Asensio and David Alaba. However, Alaba has been under scrutiny following his poor performance against Real Betis last weekend. The Austrian defender, who has been struggling for form, now faces immense pressure to step up and deliver a solid performance.

Rüdiger’s absence is particularly alarming because Real Madrid has a critical Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Atletico Madrid next Wednesday. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring his recovery, hoping he can regain fitness in time for that encounter. His physical presence, defensive solidity, and experience are invaluable, especially in high-pressure matches.

The timing of this setback couldn’t be worse. With Real Madrid locked in a tight title race, every match is crucial. Rüdiger’s leadership at the back has been instrumental in maintaining defensive stability. If he is sidelined for an extended period, Madrid might struggle against top-tier opposition.

Real Madrid fans are hopeful that his flu symptoms are not severe. If he recovers in time, he might at least make the squad for Wednesday’s Champions League showdown. Until then, Ancelotti will need to rely on his defensive backups to hold the fort in La Liga.

Asensio, despite being relatively inexperienced at the top level, has shown promise in recent appearances. However, the Vallecano attack will test his ability to handle pressure in a crucial match. Alaba, on the other hand, will need to step up significantly after his lackluster performance against Betis.

One of the concerns for Madrid is that their defensive depth has been stretched thin due to injuries and fitness issues. While the club boasts an array of talented players, losing a figure like Rüdiger at this point in the season is far from ideal.

Looking ahead, Madrid’s medical team will be working hard to ensure that Rüdiger is fit in time for the Champions League fixture. If he recovers as expected, he will be a crucial asset against Atletico Madrid, a team known for its attacking prowess.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has remained tight-lipped about potential last-minute changes to the squad. However, with Rüdiger’s situation still uncertain, the coach may need to adjust his tactical approach to compensate for the loss of one of his key defenders.

For now, Madrid fans will be holding their breath, hoping for positive news in the coming days. Whether Rüdiger returns against Vallecano or is saved for the Atletico Madrid clash, his recovery remains a top priority for the club.

In the grand scheme of things, this flu bout may be a minor setback, but in a season where every match counts, Real Madrid cannot afford too many slip-ups. The coming days will determine whether Rüdiger can shake off his illness and return to the lineup when Madrid needs him the most.