Real Madrid draw up emergency plan to deal with Antonio Rudiger injury - report
- Antonio Rudiger sustained thigh injury in win at Getafe on Thursday
- Real Madrid host rivals Atletico on Sunday
- Carlo Ancelotti said to have emergency plan in case Rudiger isn't fit
By Sean Walsh
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Antonio Rudiger will be able to quickly recover from an injury sustained in Thursday's 2-0 win at Getafe, but the Italian has also drawn up plans to replace the defender if the issue is serious, according to a report.
Los Blancos moved two points clear at the top of La Liga with victory at neighbours Getafe on transfer deadline day. However, they were dealt a blow when Rudiger was forced off at half-time with a thigh injury.
Madrid return to action on Sunday with the visit of rivals Atletico, and The Athletic report Ancelotti has come up with a plan to replace Rudiger should he be unavailable.
With first-choice centre-backs Eder Militao and David Alaba recovering from ACL injuries, right-back Dani Carvajal could be shifted into the heart of defence alongside Nacho Fernandez, even though Atletico are expected to go long and aerially bombard Madrid.
In the event that Carvajal cannot play, then left-back Ferland Mendy or midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will be used at centre-back instead.
Speaking after Thursday's win at Getafe, however, Ancelotti insisted Rudiger's problem is not too serious and hailed the Germany international as a 'warrior'.
"I think Rudiger can recover, he has a strong blow and we will see how he is in the next few days. It is not certain that he will play," Ancelotti said.
"We have a few days to recover it. Rudiger is a warrior and it is difficult for him to miss the derby due to a small annoyance."
Madrid will move 13 points clear of Atletico with victory at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, while they could end the weekend five points clear at the top if title rivals Girona lose to Real Sociedad.
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