Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger may miss the rest of the season after an operation on his knee.
Rudiger, 32, has really been a mainstay since his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022 from Chelsea.
The middle behind, however, had to deal with “serious” knee pain in the last seven months and underwent surgery.
Real stated earlier today: “Rudiger was successfully operated today for a partial break in the external meniscus of his left leg.”
The operation went well, but the reigning Spanish and European champions are perhaps without the German international for the rest of the LaLiga schedule.
According to Transfer Insider Fabrizio Romano, Rudiger for “almost two months” will be put aside.
The former Chelsea star, however, was cheerful after the operation when he posted a photo of himself on social media from his hospital bed with a big smile as he gave the camera up.
The defender also suggested that he would come back for the Summer's Club World Cup.
Rudiger posted on Instagram: “After I have played for more than seven months [sic] With severe pain it was unfortunately inevitable that I had to undergo meniscus operation.
“Now I am finally pain -free again, and the operation was a success. Thanks to the medical team and especially @guidospiran.
“I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two major tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I now have to look from week to week and we will see.
“I will do everything I can do to make it happen. See you soon and take care of yourself.”
Nevertheless, Rudiger still stands for a long resignation, regardless of how well his rehabilitation goes.
That is because of his antics during the Copa del Rey final on Saturday who saw Real losing 3-2 to Rivals Barcelona.
A furious Rudiger launched an ice suit with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bergoetxea with only 20 seconds extra time after Kylian Mbappe was assessed to have polluted Eric Garcia in the last attack by Madrid.
When the official came to the bank to hand out red cards, the German had to be stopped to confront him by Ferland Mendy and an employee.
Rudiger's public apology
The former Roma star and Lucas Vazquez, both of which were replaced earlier in the game, were sent away after the last sprinted on the field.
Some reports suggested that Rudiger said the referee, “You are a miscarriage” and called him a “son of a WH ***”.
The center of the center gave a public apology after those shocking scenes, so that Jude Bellingham was also sent after the last whistle for “approaching the referee aggressively” and that “had to be stopped by teammates”.
Nevertheless, the former Stuttgart star is still confronted with a huge ban of 12 games for his behavior in the Spanish cup final, which was criticized by Germany Sporting Director Rudi Voller.
Rudiger posted Sunday: “There is absolutely no excuse for my behavior last night. I'm very sorry.
“We played a very good game from the 2nd half – after 111 minutes I could no longer help my team and before the last whistle I made a mistake.
“Sorry for the referee and for everyone I disappointed last night.”