Nightmare for Real Madrid! Antonio Rudiger may require knee surgery as defender continues to play through injury ahead of crucial La Liga run-in & Copa del Rey final against Barcelona

According to Relevo, the German international has been dealing with discomfort in his meniscus in recent months but due to not being rested, the issue has gotten worse. The report adds it is not ruled out that the 32-year-old may be forced to undergo surgery to fix the problem.

Madrid are still in with a chance to win La Liga and face Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey in the coming weeks. And the report adds that Rudiger is expected to be a starter for the final stretch of the season in their biggest games. Los Blancos may be playing with fire with the ex-Chelsea man, though.

Rudiger is reportedly set to enter into contract negotiations with Madrid, with the experienced defender's deal currently running until the summer of 2026.

It remains to be seen if Rudiger will be fit enough to start against Madrid when they host Athletic Club in La Liga on Sunday.