Huge blow for Real Madrid as Antonio Rudiger injury is confirmed prior to top-of-the-table clash with Girona

According to Madrid's website, the centre-back has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the vastus lateralis of his left thigh. The club did not say how long the German international would be sidelined for but he is set to miss Saturday's home clash against second-placed Girona.

The Spanish giants, who sit top of the table by two points, are in something of a bind in the centre-back department asEder Militao (knee), David Alaba (knee), and now Rudiger are all out injured. Being without such key personnel ahead of a match with the highest-scoring team in La Liga is far from ideal.

In Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with local rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend, right-back Dani Carvajal played at centre-back and played alongside Nacho. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Eduardo Camavinga could also be a back-up option in the centre of defence.

After Madrid take on Girona at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening, Ancelotti's side return to Champions League action away to RB Leipzig in the last 16 on Tuesday. Los Blancos will hope Rudiger is not injured for too long.