It wouldn't be a typical Real Madrid season if they weren't bitten by the injury bug affecting a number of their key players in the squad. This has been the common theme for Real Madrid in the past number of years which has cost Los Blancos in crucial matches of the season.
This season is no different from the others, as the squad has be riddled with major injuries to key players. These injuries have caused Carlo Ancelotti to play makeshift starting XI's, using players out of their natural positions which dramatically changes the way the team plays.
With the number of injuries the team has had this season the last thing they could afford is to lose another key man in the team. But unfortunately for Real madrid, their nightmare became a reality.
Real Madrid announce major injury blow ahead of Manchester City clash
As being reported by ESPN, Antonio Rudiger is set to be sidelined for two to three weeks meaning he will miss Real Madrid's clash with Atletico Madrid this coming weekend as well as the two Champions League playoff clashes against Manchester City. Rudiger was substituted in the 15th minute of Real Madrid's defeat against Espanyol this past weekend.
The club officially confirmed Rudiger's prognosis on Sunday. "Following tests carried out on Antonio Rudiger by Real Madrid's medical services, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg"
Real Madrid are already without Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal in the defense so an injury to Rudiger, who has been their ironman in defense this season.
His injury leaves David Alaba and Raul Asencio as the only fit central defenders in the first team squad. How Ancelotti will be able to cope with the German's absence in this difficult stretch of games will be key for their La Liga title hopes.