Rudiger out around two weeks with hamstring injury

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury, specifically a biceps femoris strain in his right leg, following tests after the team's match against Espanyol on Saturday.

The injury will keep him sidelined for around two weeks, causing him to miss the first leg of the Champions League Round of 32 against Manchester City. His availability for the return leg on January 19th is also unlikely.

This injury is a significant blow for Real Madrid, as Rudiger had been a key player in their defense, particularly against Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who struggled against him last season. The team will now need to rely on Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni to handle Haaland in his absence.