Antonio Rüdiger sidelined for up to two months after knee surgery

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has undergone knee surgery for a meniscus injury and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, ruling him out for the remainder of the La Liga season and likely the Club World Cup. Rüdiger revealed he had been playing in significant pain for months prior to the operation, but is now pain-free and focused on rehabilitation. His absence comes at a crucial period for Real Madrid, who are already dealing with multiple defensive injuries and are trailing Barcelona in the league standings. The timing of Rüdiger's injury is a major setback for both club and country, as he also faces a potential suspension for his conduct during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, where he was sent off for an outburst towards the referee. Despite the setbacks, Rüdiger has expressed determination to return in time for major upcoming tournaments, including the Club World Cup and Nations League, while acknowledging the need to monitor his recovery week by week. Club and national team officials have called for improved discipline, with Germany's sporting director urging Rüdiger to show more composure going forward.