Rudiger and Rodrygo remain doubts as Madrid prepare for Monaco showdown
Los Blancos face Champions League test on Tuesday with defensive concerns mounting as key players continue individual training regimes
Real Madrid’s injury concerns continue to bubble away like a dodgy kettle with both Antonio Rudiger and Rodrygo Goes training separately from the main group following Saturday’s victory against Levante.
Champions League doubts
The pair’s availability for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Monaco (21:00 CET) remains up in the air, with Álvaro Arbeloa facing a potential selection headache. Monday’s final training session will be crucial in determining whether either player can feature against the French outfit.
The good news for Madrid is that Saturday’s match against Levante didn’t add any fresh names to the treatment room. First-team players who started that match worked indoors on Sunday, while the rest of the squad split their session between gym work and grass-based training.
Defensive worries
Even if Rudiger makes a miraculous recovery, Madrid’s backline remains significantly depleted with Arbeloa already unable to call upon:
- Eder Militao
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Ferland Mendy
All three defenders are confirmed absentees for the Monaco clash, leaving the Spanish giants looking proper short at the back.
Norwegian official
Norwegian referee Espen Eskås will take charge of Tuesday’s European encounter. This appointment should bring a smile to Madrid faces as they’ve won both previous matches officiated by the Scandinavian - a bit of a lucky charm, you might say.
The Champions League fixture represents a significant test for Arbeloa’s men, who’ll be desperate to have as many first-choice players available as possible. Monday’s final training session will be watched with eagle eyes by Madrid supporters hoping for positive news on the injury front.