Real Madrid handed Antonio Rudiger problem for El Clasico

Antonio Rudiger proved what it is playing for the Real Madrid badge, as he scored a goal deep into injury time to salvage a 95th minute draw against Shakhtar Donetsk. He did end up getting a cut for his troubles though. The strike did seal Los Blancos’ place in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase this season.

While a heroic effort on his part for the club, it does hand Real Madrid a worry heading into the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona this weekend, set to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As reported by Marca, despite the face injury he suffered, Rudiger has not yet been ruled out of facing Barcelona at the weekend. The defender suffered no bone injury and it is possible that he will wear a face mask.

But, face masks are not easily purchased. Each one has to be custom made to fit the face of the wearer perfectly, and it’s more complicated with a very fresh injury that is still being examined.

Real Madrid handed Rudiger problem ahead of El Clasico

With the recent performances that Rudiger has put in, he is certainly making a case to be a regular starter in this Real Madrid side.

He had established himself as one of the best defenders in the world while playing under the management of Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and it looks like he has carried that form to Santiago Bernabeu as well.

Thus, if he does end up being unavailable for the El Clasico, then it could turn out to be a major blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. For the time being, he has not been ruled out though and let’s see how things turn out from here.

Real Madrid do have two wonderful centre-backs in David Alaba and Eder Militao, who should be able to deal with the absence of Rudiger for a while, if he does end up needing to take some time off.