Real Madrid have been dealt a major blow as key defender Antonio Rüdiger is set to miss up to three months after suffering a muscle injury while on international duty with Germany.

The club confirmed in an official medical statement that the 31-year-old centre-back sustained a tear to his left thigh — specifically, the rectus femoris muscle — which will likely rule him out until after the Christmas break.

Rüdiger featured in both of Germany’s international fixtures but was substituted in the 82nd minute during their clash with Northern Ireland, where the problem first became apparent.

The injury comes as a significant setback for Carlo Ancelotti, whose squad is already stretched thin. Alongside Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and new signing Endrick are also on the injury list.

Rüdiger’s absence could leave Real Madrid short-handed in central defence during a critical stretch of the La Liga season, as well as in the UEFA Champions League group stage fixtures.