German defender Antonio Rüdiger, the only fully fit center-back at Real Madrid, was forced off in the 15th minute against Espanyol. His injury is a massive blow for Carlo Ancelotti, especially with a packed February schedule ahead.

Defensive Crisis Looming

Though he had been managing minor discomfort, Rüdiger finally hit his limit after logging 2,906 minutes this season. According to BeSoccer Pro via EFE, he ranks as the eighth most-used outfield player in LaLiga EA Sports and the third most-played center-back across Europe’s top leagues (2,745 minutes).

Early assessments in the RCDE Stadium locker room, per club sources, suggest hamstring discomfort in his right leg. Further medical tests in the coming days will confirm the extent of the injury.

Major Headache for Ancelotti

Rüdiger’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time. Real Madrid faces Atlético de Madrid in a crucial derby next week, followed by their Champions League showdown with Manchester City. The defensive situation is dire:

• Éder Militão remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
• David Alaba is just returning after 13 months out with a serious knee issue.
• Jesús Vallejo is not in Ancelotti’s plans.

With no natural center-backs fully fit, Ancelotti is left with only Raúl Asencio, a Castilla player promoted to the first team, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has been used as an emergency defender.

Beyond the derby and the Champions League, Madrid also has a Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Leganés and two tricky LaLiga clashes versus Osasuna and Girona