The decisive stage of the season is approaching and Real Madrid are aiming to recover key players currently sidelined with injuries.
The treatment room at the club is currently occupied by Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. All of them are in the recovery process and will rejoin their team-mates in the coming weeks.
One player they have already recovered, and who was even included in the squad against Valencia, is Antonio Rudiger.
The German, who was fundamental to the team last season, has seen injuries limit him to just nine appearances this campaign. But he is back fit and could even start tonight against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Huijsen’s place at risk
Rudiger’s return may be more significant than it appears and could put the starting spot occupied by summer signing Dean Huijsen at risk, reports SPORT.
When he is fit, the German is, after Militao, currently the best central defender in the Real Madrid squad. In that scenario, it would not be surprising if he went straight into the starting eleven.
Rudiger is back. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
If the question had been asked in September as to which player between Asencio and Huijsen might move to the bench, there would have been little doubt. However, circumstances have changed considerably.
The performances of the former Bournemouth centre-back have declined sharply. He continues to show his positive qualities on the ball, but in defensive duties, which are what is required of him, he is leaving increasing doubts.
The Bernabeu has singled him out with whistles, which has also affected his confidence – one of the qualities that stood out most in his early matches.
In this context, the most likely outcome is that once fully recovered, Rudiger will form a central defensive partnership with Asencio, leaving Huijsen’s spot at risk.