Real Madrid are feeling increasingly hopeful about Antonio Rudiger’s return for the crucial second leg against Manchester City, claims Sergio Lopez through AS.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, his recovery is progressing positively, giving the club optimism about his availability for the decisive fixture.
It must be noted that the German defender sustained a hamstring injury earlier this month during a match against Espanyol, severely impacting Real Madrid’s defensive depth.
At present, Raul Asencio is the only recognised central defender available, while Aurélien Tchouameni has been filling in as an emergency centre-back.
When Rudiger picked up the injury, initial assessments suggested he would be sidelined for two to three weeks. As the first leg against Manchester City approached, it was confirmed that he would not be fit in time for the clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Following the match in England, Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in the possibility of Rudiger returning for the second leg.
The manager acknowledged the importance of having both Rudiger and David Alaba available, stating that their return would be crucial for the team’s defensive stability.
"We need Rudiger and Alaba for the return leg and I think they will be available," he said after the game.
If Rudiger does make a comeback, it is likely that he will reclaim his spot in the starting eleven, potentially pushing Asencio to the bench.
However, given Asencio’s solid performances in recent matches, there is a possibility that Ancelotti could pair the young defender with Rudiger, allowing Tchouameni to return to his preferred midfield role.
The defensive setup has been a significant concern for Real Madrid, but despite the challenges, the team has managed to remain resilient.
What once seemed like a major weakness has transformed into a solid defensive line, instilling confidence within the squad.
With Rudiger nearing a return, the team is looking stronger, and excitement is building as they prepare for the decisive battle against Manchester City.
The next few days will be crucial in determining the final lineup, but the prospect of Rudiger’s return is a massive boost for Real Madrid’s ambitions.