Rodrygo's season is over amid an ACL injury that means he will play no part of Real Madrid's remainder of the campaign. The Brazilian was a mainstay in Los Blancos' team, recovering from a difficult summer where uncertainy over his future took hold.
The 25-year-old endured a disappointing FIFA Club World Cup campaign, lacking a prominent role in Xabi Alonso's team. He worked hard on reclaiming his place in the team and managed to win Alonso over.
Alvaro Arbeloa has also turned to Rodrygo during his interim spell as manager but will be without him for the rest of the season. His injury also means he will miss the World Cup with Brazil this summer.
Rodrygo not expected back this year
Rodrygo will reportedly undergo surgery today (March 10th) and it will be performed by Dr Manuel Leyes, per Diario AS (via Madrid Xtra). This is the same doctor who conducted surgeries for Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao.
The Brazilian goes under the knife just a day before one of Madrid's most important games of the season. They host Manchester City in the first-leg of their Champions League Round of 16 and are underdogs.
Rodrygo missed the play-off win over Benfica due to suspension. His sending off against the Portuguese side in the league phase is his last action in European football this season.
The hope is that Rodrygo will be back at the start of 2027, meaning he'll miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign. That will likely be with a new manager in charge amid the expectation that Arbeloa won't be appointed permanently.
Endrick's chance to shine
Rodrygo's injury and absence could mean Madrid put their faith in Endrick next season. They have reportedly been preparing for his return from his loan spell at Lyon this summer by describing him as a new signing.
Endrick has been excellent in France since joining the Ligue 1 club on loan in early January. He has posted five goals and four assists in 10 games across competitions.
The Brazilian starlet will be eager to earn a starting role at the Santiago Bernabeu and that could come at the expense of Rodrygo. It's unlikely Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Junior will be dropped from Los Blancos' frontline.
Endrick has struggled for game time during his spell with the Spanish capital club thus far. He's made just 40 appearances since arriving from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024 for €47.5m.