Rüdiger Out After Surgery and Six-Match Suspension

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has undergone successful surgery for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left knee, sidelining him for six to eight weeks and likely ending his domestic season. Rüdiger received a six-match suspension for throwing an ice pack at the referee during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, an act for which he later apologized. His absence, due to both injury and suspension, casts doubt on his participation in Germany's Nations League matches in early June and Real Madrid's Club World Cup fixtures in mid-June. Real Madrid's defensive problems are compounded by injuries to Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao, leaving the club with limited options. The Spanish Football Federation rescinded Jude Bellingham's red card from the same match after a video review, while Lucas Vazquez was handed a two-match ban. Rüdiger's actions have sparked debate in Germany, with some calling for further national team sanctions and others defending him.