With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger sidelined, Real Madrid have leaned on Éder Militão and teenager Dean Huijsen. Rudiger’s thigh injury has paused renewal talks, with progress expected only after he returns and proves fitness.
Key points
- Backline stretched: Militão and Huijsen have carried the load amid injuries to Alaba and Rudiger.
- Thigh setback: Rudiger suffered a thigh injury in September and has been out for roughly three months.
- Renewal on pause: Per MARCA, contract talks between Rudiger and Real Madrid are on hold until he’s back playing.
- Mutual intent to continue: Both the club and the player want to extend; movement is expected early 2026 once fitness is proven.
- This season so far: Rudiger has featured once in La Liga and was part of the FIFA Club World Cup squad.
- Player stance: In a recent interview, Rudiger said the enforced break helped him reset after last season’s heavy schedule.
The situation
Real Madrid’s defensive unit has been a juggling act this season. With David Alaba dealing with recurring fitness issues and Antonio Rudiger sidelined since September, Éder Militão and Dean Huijsen have taken on major responsibility—and largely delivered.
The consequence of the injuries has been a trimmed rotation and increased minutes for a very young centre-back in Huijsen alongside Militão’s leadership. The duo’s level has kept Madrid steady, but the need for depth is obvious.
Rudiger’s injury and timeline
Rudiger’s thigh injury in September was assessed at around three months out. He has not yet returned to competitive action. While he made just one La Liga appearance to date, he did contribute around the FIFA Club World Cup period and remains an important voice in the dressing room.
Notably, Rudiger recently admitted that time away—though frustrating—gave him space to recover properly after an intense 2024/25 campaign.
Renewal talks: paused, not broken
As reported by MARCA, Rudiger’s injury has directly affected his contract renewal discussions. Negotiations began earlier but are now on hold by mutual agreement. The reasoning is straightforward: both parties believe financial terms should wait until the player is back on the pitch and fully fit.
Sources around the talks indicate Rudiger wants to continue at Real Madrid—no doubts there. The expectation is that conversations will pick up in early 2026, provided he returns, strings together consistent minutes, and demonstrates full match sharpness.
Why it matters for Madrid
- Short-term: Carlo Ancelotti must keep balancing minutes for Militão and Huijsen while monitoring workloads. Any setbacks could force tactical tweaks or emergency solutions.
- Medium-term: Rudiger’s return stabilizes the rotation and restores leadership and aerial dominance, particularly in big European nights.
- Long-term (contract): Madrid value Rudiger’s competitiveness and experience. A healthy run post-injury should pave the way for a pragmatic extension that fits the club’s wage structure.
What’s next
- Rehab to field: Rudiger’s first target is a clean medical green light and phased reintroduction to match rhythm.
- Reassess in 2026: If he stays fit and impactful, expect renewal talks to resume early next year, aligning with both sides’ preference to finalize matters from a position of clarity.
For now, Madrid ride with Militão–Huijsen—and wait for a proven veteran to rejoin the line and, potentially, commit his future once more.