Crucial Blow for Real Madrid as Rudiger's Injury Clouds the Spanish Super Cup Derby

Key setback ahead of the clash

Hours before Real Madrid's Spanish Super Cup semi-final with Atlético Madrid, a report reveals a fresh worry for Xabi Alonso's side as Antonio Rudiger missed the final training session with knee pain.

The team is preparing to play in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, with plans possibly reworked to shield the defense if Rudiger can't recover in time.

Broadcast and lineup concerns

The clash will be broadcast exclusively via the Thmanyah app, the Saudi-based rights holder for the competition.

Trent Alexander-Arnold also trained separately, but the main concern remains Rudiger's availability as a core centre-back.

Alonso's tactical choices could shift, leaving Real with just two central defenders if Rudiger is unavailable, a delicate scenario for a derby of this magnitude.

Rudiger has been training individually under the medical staff's oversight, with the prognosis still uncertain as Thursday's kick-off approaches.

Until then, the football world waits to see whether Madrid can brace the bite of the Atlético attack with a full-strength back line.

Punchline 1: If Rudiger's knee holds, the derby could be a walk-in-the-park; if not, it’ll be a sprint to the medical room. Punchline 2: In this game, even the grass is tense—every blade ready for a blockbuster sting.