The bad news keeps coming for Real Madrid. After losing the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, the club released three medical reports on the same day.
All three involve defenders, and all three are ruled out for the remainder of the La Liga season (and their availability for the Club World Cup is in doubt). The players are Rüdiger, Mendy, and even Alaba.
In Rüdiger’s case, although Ancelotti initially said after substituting him that he wasn’t injured, “just tired”… it turns out he had been dealing with discomfort for 7 months. Since he’s expected to receive a lengthy suspension for his behavior at the end of the match, the club decided to proceed with surgery — which has already been carried out. His goal is to return in time for the Club World Cup and the UEFA Nations League Final Four with Germany.
Rüdiger’s medical report:
“Our player Antonio Rüdiger has successfully undergone surgery today for a partial tear of the lateral meniscus in his left leg. The operation was performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes under the supervision of Real Madrid’s Medical Services. Rüdiger will begin his recovery process shortly.”
Mendy, meanwhile, started the match but had to be substituted in the 8th minute after suffering a serious injury. He too will miss the rest of the league season.
Mendy’s medical report:
“Following tests carried out on our player Ferland Mendy by Real Madrid’s Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a proximal tear of the rectus femoris tendon in his right quadriceps. Pending further evaluation.”
The most surprising case is Alaba’s. He didn’t play a single minute against Barcelona, nor did he even warm up — clearly indicating he was already injured. It now appears to be a serious issue that will require another surgery. There’s even speculation that he might not play for Real Madrid again. It’s been a tough last few years for him with recurring injuries, despite being one of the highest-paid players in the squad (only recently surpassed by Mbappé and Vinicius after their renewals).
Alaba’s medical report:
“Following tests carried out on our player David Alaba by Real Madrid’s Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a tear in the medial meniscus of his left knee.”
Update 30/04/2025 – 20.39: Both Alaba and Mendy underwent surgery today.