Rüdiger Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery, Out for Six to Eight Weeks

Antonio Rüdiger underwent successful surgery on Tuesday for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left leg and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. The German defender from Real Madrid had been suffering from pain in the area for months, and after the Copa del Rey final held on Saturday, it was decided he should undergo surgery. The aim is for the defender to return in time to participate in the Club World Cup, scheduled between June 14 and July 13.

Dr. Manuel Leyes performed the operation under the supervision of Real Madrid's medical services, after which Rüdiger will begin his recovery period with an eye on the major tournament organised by FIFA. This has become one of the main objectives for the Chamartín club, having been eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, defeated by Barça in the Copa del Rey final, and trailing in La Liga with a four-point deficit to Barça with five matches remaining in the season.

Rüdiger has been the second most utilised player by Carlo Ancelotti this season, with 4,189 minutes played, only behind Federico Valverde. The numerous injuries in the defensive line forced the German to become the leader of Real Madrid's defence, leading to an overexertion that has ultimately taken a toll on his physical condition.

Rüdiger's surgery comes at an opportune moment, as the defender is set to face a severe suspension for throwing ice at the Bilbao referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa del Rey final held last Saturday in Seville.

"In the 120th minute, player Antonio Rüdiger was sent off for the following reason: throwing an object from the technical area without hitting me. After being shown the red card, he had to be restrained by several members of the coaching staff, displaying aggressive behaviour," reported De Burgos Bengoetxea in the match report. The Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee is expected to impose a suspension on the Real Madrid player ranging from four to twelve matches, despite the defender apologising the following day, which could serve as a mitigating factor. "There is no excuse for my behaviour last night. I am very sorry, and I apologise to the referee," the defender wrote on social media.