Real Madrid have suffered a major injury blow after Antonio Rudiger was ruled out of action for two months on Tuesday following knee surgery.
Rudiger was substituted during the extra time of the 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat on Saturday, before he was later sent off for throwing an object at the referee.
Real Madrid confirmed on their website on Tuesday that Rudiger underwent knee surgery, which is expected to rule him out of action for two months.
The statement reads: “Our player, Antonio Rüdiger, underwent successful surgery today for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left leg.
“The operation was carried out by Dr Manuel Leyes under the supervision of Real Madrid Medical Services. Rüdiger will soon begin recovery work.”
According to the Spanish media, Rudiger will miss between six and eight weeks during his recovery process.
The former Chelsea defender is unlikely to be fit for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in June.
Meanwhile, Rudiger is expected to receive a long-term ban after he was sent off for throwing an object, reportedly an ice cube, at the referee during the Barcelona defeat.
Under Article 101 of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary code, which covers “mild violence” towards referees, Rudiger could receive a suspension of between four and 12 matches.
However, if his actions are deemed more serious, he could face a ban of anything between three months to a year.
Rüdiger’s injury is a major blow for Real Madrid following their struggles this season, as they aim to wrest the title from Barcelona’s grasp.
Ancelotti’s men crashed out of the Champions League following a 5-1 defeat to Arsenal before losing in the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona.
They are also four points behind the Blaugrana with five matches to go in the La Liga title race.
The defending champions have also struggled with injuries this season, with the likes of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga all suffering long-term injuries at some point.
Real Madrid will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Barcelona when they take on Celta Vigo on Sunday.
