Antonio Rudiger injury: Real Madrid star proves he’s an absolute warrior
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger proved he’s an absolute warrior during the closing stages of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Germany international, who joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in the summer, sustained a nasty facial injury while scoring Madrid’s last-gasp equaliser in Warsaw.
Oleksandr Zubkov gave Shakhtar the lead early in the second half, but Rudiger wrapped up Real Madrid’s qualification from the group stages with his dramatic late header.
Toni Kroos picked the 29-year-old out with an inch-perfect pass from deep.
But Rudiger suffered one of the worst injuries we’ll see all season in the process after colliding with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
The centre-back’s face was covered in blood. He stumbled to his feet before going back to ground again moments later.
Video: Antonio Rudiger’s nasty injury vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Watch the incident here:
So much blood.
That’s what you call putting your body on the line for your team.
Carlo Ancelotti’s update on Rudiger’s injury
In his post-match interview, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was quoted by Managing Madrid as saying: “Rudiger has a cut on his face, but he is conscious and speaking and smiling. It was an important goal. We put Rudiger up there for the final five minutes because we were putting in many crosses and he, along with [Eder] Militao, is our best header of the ball.”
Read more: Toni Kroos: Real Madrid star showed he’s a football genius before Rudiger equaliser
What has Rudiger said following his injury?
Late on Tuesday night, Rudiger posted an in-game photo alongside the caption: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I am okay – thanks for all your messages.”
It didn’t go unnoticed by fans on social media that some of Rudiger’s blood formed a heart shape near the Real Madrid badge on his white shirt.
And on Instagram on the flight home, Rudiger posted a photo of his face bandaged up, with the caption: “We Alive”.
There’s no doubt that Rudiger’s heroics and bravely will further endear him to Real Madrid supporters.
Will Antonio Rudiger be fit for the Clasico vs Barcelona?
Fortunately it appears that Rudiger is okay, although it’s currently unclear whether he’ll be fit enough to play in Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona.
If he is declared fit to play, it’s possible that we’ll see Rudiger wearing a face mask against Xavi’s side.
Antonio Rudiger could wear face mask against Barcelona
Real Madrid and Barcelona currently sit joint-top of La Liga and it promises to be a fascinating encounter at the Bernabeu.
Both sides have won seven and drawn one of their opening eight La Liga fixtures, although Barça currently occupy pole position having conceded just one goal.
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