Very Bad News for Carlo Ancelotti, 15 Hours After Antonio Rüdiger’s Injury

Carlo Ancelotti has been dealt a devastating blow just hours after Real Madrid’s controversial loss to Espanyol Barcelona. Antonio Rüdiger, the club’s most reliable defender this season, has suffered a serious injury that could sideline him for several crucial fixtures. With Real Madrid fighting on multiple fronts, this is the last thing Ancelotti needed.

Rüdiger’s injury occurred just 15 minutes into Saturday’s La Liga clash against Espanyol. The German defender, who has been a rock at the heart of Madrid’s backline, went down clutching the back of his right leg after challenging for a cross. Despite receiving immediate attention from the club’s medical staff, he was unable to continue and had to be substituted. Concerned faces filled the Madrid bench, and now their worst fears have been confirmed.

According to an official statement from Real Madrid, Rüdiger has sustained a femoral biceps injury in his right leg. While the club has not provided a specific timeline for his return, reports from Marca and The Athletic suggest he will be out for at least two weeks. This means Madrid will be without their defensive leader for some of the most important matches of the season.

The timing of this injury could not be worse for Los Blancos. Madrid’s next fixture is a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Leganés. While they are favorites to progress even without Rüdiger, the real problem lies beyond that. Just a few days later, Real Madrid will face Atlético Madrid in a high-stakes Madrid derby. With only a single point separating them in La Liga, this match could play a huge role in determining the title race.

And that’s not all. Madrid’s real nightmare begins in the Champions League, where they are set to face Manchester City in the play-offs. The absence of Rüdiger, their best and most experienced defender, will be a massive disadvantage against Pep Guardiola’s attacking machine. With Erling Haaland leading the line for City, Ancelotti will have to find a defensive solution—and fast.

🚨🚨 BREAKING: Rüdiger will be OUT for around 20 days. [@AranchaMOBILE] pic.twitter.com/vmfI6fZ76j

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 2, 2025

With Rüdiger unavailable, Ancelotti must now reshuffle his defensive setup. David Alaba and Raúl Asensio are the most likely candidates to step in, but neither offers the same level of consistency as the German international. Another option could be shifting Aurélien Tchouaméni into central defense—a move that has been tested before, but with mixed results.

Tchouaméni’s struggles at center-back have been evident. The French midfielder is an exceptional player, but he is far more comfortable in his natural defensive midfield role. Placing him in the backline against teams like Atlético Madrid and Manchester City could be a disaster waiting to happen. Ancelotti will have to decide whether to gamble or trust his remaining defenders.

This latest setback raises serious questions about Real Madrid’s transfer strategy. With injuries already plaguing the squad—Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão have both been sidelined—many expected Madrid to sign a defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window. However, club president Florentino Pérez and his team opted against it, believing the squad had enough depth to cope.

Now, just days after the window closed, that decision is looking increasingly risky. Madrid’s medical staff will work tirelessly to speed up Rüdiger’s recovery, but there is no guarantee he will be fully fit when he returns. Muscle injuries, especially in players over 30, can be tricky to manage. Any setback could see his absence extend beyond the estimated 20 days.

For Madrid fans, this is a worrying development. The team has already shown defensive vulnerabilities this season, and losing their most reliable center-back could be a turning point in the campaign. If Ancelotti fails to find a solid replacement, Madrid’s hopes of winning both La Liga and the Champions League could take a serious hit.

The next few weeks will be a major test for Madrid’s squad depth. Players like Alaba, Asensio, and even Nacho Fernández may need to step up in Rüdiger’s absence. If they fail to do so, Ancelotti’s side could struggle to keep pace with their rivals.

This injury also adds more pressure on Madrid’s attack. With their defense weakened, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo will need to be even more clinical in front of goal. Madrid can’t afford to drop points in crucial matches, and without Rüdiger to organize the defense, the attack may need to compensate.

Ancelotti, a coach known for his tactical flexibility, must now prove his ability to adapt. Whether he sticks with a makeshift defense or experiments with new formations, his decisions in the coming days could define Madrid’s season. If he gets it right, the team could navigate this crisis. If not, their title ambitions might take a severe blow.

The countdown to Rüdiger’s return has begun, but until then, Real Madrid must survive without him. The coming weeks promise to be some of the most challenging of the season, and Madrid fans can only hope that their team finds a way to overcome this latest obstacle.