Real Madrid Dealt Massive Injury Blow Hours Before Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final

Real Madrid have suffered a massive injury blow just hours before their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid. 

Antonio Rudiger, who was one of the first names as Xabi Alonso finalised his starting XI for the Atletico clash, is now a major doubt for the game.

The German centre-back was absent as Los Blancos completed their final training session ahead of the semi-final at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.

Real Madrid have suffered several injuries throughout the 2025/26 season.

In the last five months, they have lost Eder Militao to an ACL tear, while Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, Rudiger, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have spent prolonged spells on the sidelines.

Kylian Mbappe, who has scored over half of Real Madrid’s total goals this season, will also miss the Super Cup. He has not travelled with the squad to Saudi Arabia after feeling discomfort in his knee.

Antonio Rudiger Could Miss Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final Against Atletico

According to MARCA, Real Madrid could be without another first-team player for Thursday’s Madrid derby.

Antonio Rudiger did not participate in Madrid’s final team training session after reporting a knee issue. He first visited the medical staff before completing a solo training session, hoping to maximise his chances of playing in the semi-final.

Informa @miguelitocope

‼️ Rudiger tiene molestias en la rodilla

❓ Es duda para el partido de esta noche ante el @Atleti

#PartidazoCOPE pic.twitter.com/vF1HIMnhTQ

— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) January 8, 2026

Trent Alexander-Arnold also had a solo session, but Madrid are more concerned about Rudiger.

Rudiger is a key member of Alonso’s squad, and the club doctors will wait until the last minute to make a final decision on his condition.

Who Could Fill in for Real Madrid After Rudiger Injury?

Alonso has picked Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Asencio, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy, Huijsen and David Jimenez for the Supercopa de Espana.

If Rudiger does not prove his fitness, Huijsen is the next in line to replace the German.

Alaba is more experienced than the former Bournemouth man, but he is still below his 100%. He has not played for Real Madrid since October.

Huijsen, meanwhile, last played in the 2-0 victory over Sevilla in late December.

Alonso could also try using Ferland Mendy as a centre-back. He has played in that position in the past, doing an admirable job.

Ferland Mendy has the most interceptions (38), third most duels (68), fourth most recoveries (57), and fifth in recoveries in the opposition half (19) and ground duels (46) in the Saudi hosted Super Cups. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/BHAY7LL2cv

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 8, 2026

According to Diario AS, the Frenchman has the most interceptions (38) and the third most duels (68) in the Super Cups hosted in Saudi Arabia.

However, Mendy is also a bit rusty, having not completed a game since late November.