Real Madrid’s injury nightmare has taken a turn for the worse, as Ferland Mendy and David Alaba join Antonio Rudiger on the treatment table, ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The reigning European champions are facing an uphill battle after a series of key defensive injuries.
Earlier this week, Rudiger underwent surgery following an injury sustained during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final loss. He had been seen limping with heavy ice strapping on his knee toward the end of the match. Mendy’s injury came during their most recent game, as he was forced off the pitch in the 11th minute after feeling discomfort in his thigh. Subsequent tests confirmed that he suffered a tear in his right thigh muscle.
Meanwhile, David Alaba’s setback is equally concerning. The versatile defender has been diagnosed with a tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee, which has sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.
Real Madrid’s official statements read:
- “Following tests performed on our player Ferland Mendy, he has been diagnosed with a tear of the proximal rectus femoris tendon in his right quadriceps.”
- “Following tests performed on our player David Alaba, he has been diagnosed with a tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee.”
This defensive crisis comes at a crucial time for Los Blancos, who are now four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and can ill afford to drop more points. Their next match is against Celta Vigo on Sunday, as they try to stay in the race for the league title with a severely depleted defense.
