Real Madrid lose Antonio Rudiger! Defender facing MONTHS on the sidelines after suffering 'serious' injury

While Real are yet to officially confirm the length of the injury, Sky Sports Germany are reporting that Rudiger is set to be out until December. Should that be the case, the former Chelsea man would miss Real's Champions League clashes against Juventus and Liverpool on October 22 and November 4 respectively, as well as El Clasico against Barcelona on October 26.

In a statement on Real's official website, the club announced on Friday: "Following tests conducted on Toni Rudiger by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left leg. Awaiting further development."

Rudiger's absence is set to leave Real manager Alonso sweating on the fitness of his remaining defensive options. The Santiago Bernabeu club have so far fielded a centre-back pairing of new signing Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao, who himself has struggled with injuries in the past. Real also have Raul Asencio and the injury-prone David Alaba to call upon.

Real have made a blistering start to the 2025-26 season under Alonso. The Spaniard, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu hot seat in the summer, has guided his side to three wins from as many La Liga fixtures so far this term, defeating Osasuna, Real Oviedo and Mallorca.

Real's defence will be put to the test when they travel to Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday. The clash sees Alonso return to the club where it all started for him, having emerged through the Basque club's youth system before going on to make 124 appearances in all competitions in San Sebastian.