2025 has not been a happy year for German Antonio Rudiger so far, as the Real Madrid defender has only managed to participate in one match this season, against Real Oviedo on August 24, before a thigh muscle injury sidelined him since then.
Rudiger said: "There is nothing I hate more than injury. There is little left to return. I needed this time because the preparation period after the Club World Cup was very short. I needed some extra rest. I am very excited to return soon. I needed this time to mentally and physically reset. I feel happy that I am about to return."
This injury is Rudiger's second long-term one in 2025, as he underwent surgery in late April after a partial tear of the lateral meniscus in his left knee, following months of playing despite the pain.