These are challenging times in Spain, with the catastrophic effects of the DANA storm halting the country and pushing sports to the background. While thousands of volunteers assist in the hardest-hit areas, football is going through an unusual weekend. All matches scheduled in the Valencian Community have been postponed, allowing Real Madrid extra training days at Valdebebas. One player particularly benefiting from the break is Antonio Rüdiger.

The German defender experienced discomfort following El Clasico, prompting medical tests on Monday. Thankfully, no injury was detected, and Rüdiger would have been fit for the Valencia match. However, the club remains slightly concerned about his physical condition.

At 31 years old, Rüdiger was Real Madrid’s most-played player last season, racking up an impressive 3,987 minutes in a stellar campaign. With both Militao and Alaba injured, he became Ancelotti’s defensive rock. After the Liga and Champions League victories, Rüdiger also played for Germany in the European Championship over the summer.

Real Madrid had planned to give him more rest this season, but circumstances have changed. The failed signing of Leny Yoro, Nacho’s departure, Alaba’s slow recovery, and Joan Martínez’s injury have left Rüdiger logging 1,267 minutes already.

“He’s in top shape,” sources from the dressing room say of Rüdiger. There’s no immediate concern, and he’s known for pushing himself hard in training. But there is some worry about his knee. He’s had five knee-related injuries in his career, including an ACL tear during his time at Roma and knee surgery at Chelsea. Because of this, Real Madrid has been extra cautious with him.

Journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon reported in September that Rüdiger suffers from early-stage osteoarthritis in one knee, though the club has neither confirmed nor denied this. With the heavy fixture schedule ahead and Carvajal also sidelined, Ancelotti’s staff plans to give Rüdiger as much rest as possible. Meanwhile, David Alaba’s return is still delayed due to his slow recovery.

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