Real Madrid defender Rüdiger could miss the rest of the season after knee surgery

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and could miss the rest of the season. Madrid said Rüdiger successfully underwent surgery on a meniscus tear in his left knee and will begin “his recovery process shortly.” The club did not give a timeline for his return, but the recovery is expected to take several weeks. He said it was “unavoidable” to have the surgery after playing for more than seven months with severe pain.” “Now I'm finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success,” he said on Instagram in a post that included photos of him in the hospital after the surgery, one in bed and another in a wheelchair while holding crutches.

I want to be able to play again as soon as possible, as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me, but I have to look from week to week now, and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen.” Rüdiger had to be replaced in extra time of Madrid's 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

He made headlines for shouting at the referee from the bench and for apparently throwing a small bag of ice onto the field. Rüdiger apologised for his behaviour, but the incident prompted former Germany player Dietmar Hamann to call for the defender to be left out of Germany's squad for the Nations League final four in June.

German national team sporting director Rudi Völler also criticised Rüdiger, saying he needed to show “class” and respect for others. Germany plays Portugal in the Nations League semifinals in Munich on June 4. Madrid's first game at the Club World Cup in the United States is on June 18.