Apart from the heartbreak of a 0-4 defeat at the hands of FC Barcelona on Saturday, Real Madrid were dealt a major injury scare as well, as reports emerged after the game that Antonio Rudiger finished with some muscular problem.
The German international has been a permanent fixture in defence this season and another injury in the department, where Carlo Ancelotti is already reeling with the lack of options, would have been a devastating blow for Los Blancos.
No injury
Thankfully, tests have now confirmed that Rudiger does not have any injury but is only dealing with a muscle overload, reports AS.
Alarm bells had gone ringing in the Real Madrid camp when the former Chelsea defender started to limp in the latter stages of the Clasico on Saturday.
His substitution was also considered, but the centre-back toughed it out. However, there were concerns about a potential injury after the game.
Much to the relief of Ancelotti & co. though, the results of the MRI scan conducted today are positive as Rudiger’s discomfort comes only due to a muscle overload, with there being no signs of a tear.
Rudiger could play against Valencia
Given the nature of the issue, an exact timeline for Rudiger to return to 100% fitness cannot be predicted. As such, the report states that there will be lingering doubts over his involvement against Valencia later this weekend.
At the same time, though, the general feeling from within the club is that the German centre-half will be able to play against Los Che.
While Real Madrid will not take any risk and proceed with care and caution, there is optimism that the ex-AS Roma man will be ready for the weekend La Liga clash. And if there is any risk of injury, the club will refrain from using him.
In that case, Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to fill in as a centre-back alongside Eder Militao. But the general feeling at this point is that it will not come to that and Rudiger will be fit to play.