Antonio Rüdiger is reportedly dealing with early-stage knee osteoarthritis, a condition that has significantly impacted his performances in recent months. The Real Madrid defender has been playing through persistent pain for nearly a year due to a partial tear in the lateral meniscus of his left knee.

The German international recently underwent surgery after being unable to complete the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, which Madrid lost 3-2 in extra time. For the past eight months, Rüdiger has relied on painkillers to train and compete, pushing through discomfort in a demanding season.

According to Spanish sources, the underlying issue is believed to be osteoarthritis—a degenerative joint disease typically seen in much older players. The condition causes the cartilage within joints to deteriorate over time, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

At 32, Rüdiger is still expected to compete at the top level for another 3 to 5 years. However, Real Madrid may now need to manage his condition carefully or look for reinforcement in defense during the summer transfer window.

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