Rodrygo became the latest Real Madrid star to head to the sidelines after sustaining a right hamstring injury. The Brazilian winger had already been ruled out of the Champions League playoff tie against Benfica due to suspension for dissent.
Alvaro Arbeloa receieved the news regarding Rodrygo's injury just ahead of his side's encounter with Valencia on Sunday (January 8th). He's already without the suspended Vinicius Junior and the injured Jude Bellingham for that game.
Rodrygo bounced back from a difficult past summer to become an important player for Los Blancos this season. An update on how long he is expected to be out of action just alleviates concerns over a potential lengthy layoff.
Rodrygo return date revealed
Arbeloa is set to only be without Rodrygo for two La Liga games as Arancha Rodriguez (via Madrid Zone) reports that he will likely be back by February 21st. His side face Osasuna away in the league which means the only other game the Brazilian will sit out is a home clash with Real Sociedad next Saturday (February 14th).
Rodrygo won't play in both legs of the Champions League playoff against Benfica. The first leg takes place on February 17th at the Estadio da Luz and the second leg is on February 25th at the Estadio Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old released a statement in which he apologised to fans for his red card against the Portuguese side in a 4-2 loss. That result meant that his team require beating Jose Mourinho's men in a playoff to seal a last 16 place.
Arbeloa responds to Rodrygo news
Arbeloa was asked about Rodrygo and the time he will be without his winger ahead of the encounter with Valencia. The caretaker manager told reporters (via Madrid Universal):
"Rodrygo issued a statement in which he expressed his regret for the red card. He knows he made a mistake. We will work to bring him back as soon as possible and in the best condition so that he can help us in the way he excels at."
Rodrygo has appeared 26 times across competitions this season, posting three goals and six assists. There were doubts over his future last summer especially when he wasn't used by Xabi Alonso during the FIFA Club World Cup.
Madrid are a point behind Barcelona heading into this weekend and the Catalans face Mallorca at home. That means Arbeloa's side could be four points behind their El Clasico rivals by kick-off against Valencia on Sunday.