Real Madrid had been very careful and cautious with the recovery of veteran defender Antonio Rudiger.
Having been out injured since very early in the season, the German international had resumed training in November, but the player and the team were not in a hurry to rush his return.
After all, the German international came back a bit too early from his injury at the FIFA Club World Cup summer and ended up getting sidelined not long after.
But the plan was thrown out of the window and Rudiger was thrust into the starting XI for the game against Girona on Sunday with Real Madrid running out of options in central defence.
Now, MARCA reports that Rudiger finished the match against Girona with good sensations, both physically and competitively.
Even so, those closest to the defender admit there is a degree of concern: they fear he could fall once again into the chaotic dynamic of last season, when he repeatedly played through pain and ultimately suffered a serious injury towards the end of the campaign.
Rudiger is the type of player who tends to give more than his body can reasonably handle, especially in moments when the team is under pressure – as was seen last season when he pushed himself to the absolute limits until he could no longer continue.
Surgery and a couple of months of recovery, and he was back again on the pitch at the Club World Cup before suffering another serious injury at the start of the season.
So, there is a sense of fear in his inner circles that a similar cycle could repeat, given his latest comeback vs Girona was not how things were planned.
The roadmap drawn up after his injury outlined a gradual comeback: 10 minutes in his first match, 20 in the next… and so on, progressing without unnecessary risks.
However, the injury crisis hitting Real Madrid’s centre-back position pushed the German into a scenario he knows all too well. After nearly 100 days out, he went straight back into the starting XI, playing the full 90 minutes in a demanding clash vs Girona.
Given the situation, it is natural that there is some concern and fear regarding Rudiger falling back into the vicious cycle.
Within the coaching staff, however, the outlook is very different. Xabi Alonso is delighted with Rüdiger’s return, not only for his defensive contribution but also for his leadership in the dressing room.
The coach particularly values the recovery of the Eder Militao-Rudiger partnership, which looked solid, aggressive and close to its best level against Girona.
Despite Raul Asencio’s availability, there is a chance that Rudiger will be asked to start again tonight vs Athletic Club. With the Manchester City game not far away, it is important that Alonso weighs the pros and cons of pushing the veteran German.