Real Madrid News
Big boost for Real Madrid as Barcelona star ruled out of El Clasico
We are just two weeks away from the season’s first El Clasico, as Real Madrid look to exact revenge on Barcelona after succumbing to four defeats last season.
Heading into this game, however, both teams are struggling with injuries and are evenly matched on paper.
Barcelona, in particular, have been dealt with a series of injury blows over the past four weeks, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia all picking up recent knocks.
Joan Garcia ruled out of Real Madrid clash
While the likes of Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin might return in time for the Real Madrid clash, a recent report from Diario AS suggests that Joan Garcia has been completely ruled out of El Clasico.
This comes on the back of an earlier update given by the player himself, as he confirmed that it will take at least a month before he returns to full fitness.
The report cites the same update, adding that Garcia won’t be available for action at least until November 5, when Barcelona are slated to take on Club Brugge.
Joan Garcia’s absence from El Clasico could serve as a massive boost for Real Madrid as it practically means Barcelona will have to operate without their primary goalkeeper.
Not to mention, Garcia was in terrific form before picking up an injury, leaving Barcelona to make do with Wojciech Szczesny as their main goalkeeper.
Although Szczesny is no slouch, not having someone like Garcia defending the Barcelona goal could be beneficial for Kylian Mbappe as he looks to continue his goalscoring form.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
