Real Madrid dealt huge blow for Atletico Madrid clash as Antonio Rudiger misses training through injury - with Carlo Ancelotti already drawing up contingency plan

Rudiger picked up a thigh injury in the win over Getafe in midweek and has yet to return to training, per Marca. As a result, manager Ancelotti has drawn up a contingency plan that would see Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal fielded as centre-backs, per The Athletic's Mario Cortegana.

Rudiger has made 21 appearances in La Liga this season and has only missed one fixture: the 5-1 win over Valencia, as he was suspended. He was limited to just 45 minutes against Getafe, though, and now seems set to sit out the Madrid derby.

Rudiger joined Real in 2022 and has played 83 times for the club. He has already picked up a handful of trophies, too, winning the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Spanish Cup and the Spanish Super Cup during his time in the Spanish capital.

Real will hope that Rudiger can make a remarkable recovery. They are currently top of La Liga, two points clear of Girona, and 10 clear of third-placed Atletico.