Real Madrid summer arrival’s place in the starting lineup at risk – report

Madrid – With the decisive stretch of the season looming, Real Madrid’s medical staff are clearing treatment-room space at precisely the moment Antonio Rudiger has regained full fitness. The German centre-back, limited to nine appearances this campaign by a succession of knocks, was included in the squad for last weekend’s visit of Valencia and is now in contention to start tonight against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Rudiger’s re-emergence carries implications beyond simple squad depth. According to SPORT, his return places the starting berth of summer signing Dean Huijsen under immediate threat. When fit, Rudiger is considered the club’s second-best central defender behind the still-recovering Éder Militao, and staff believe he could slot straight back into the first XI.

The scenario marks a swift reversal of fortune for Huijsen. Signed after a promising pre-season, the former Bournemouth defender initially impressed with composure in possession, yet his recent displays have dipped. Defensive lapses have drawn whistles from the Bernabéu crowd, eroding the confidence that once defined his early outings.

Should Rudiger complete the full 90 minutes unscathed tonight, the coaching staff are expected to pair him with fellow youth product Asencio in the heart of defence, relegating Huijsen to bench duty once Militao also returns. With Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham still working their way back from injury, every positional battle is being magnified as Madrid enter the season’s critical phase.

Rudiger, for his part, offers a blend of physicality and experience that Madrid have missed during his absence. If he reclaims his place, the pecking order established in September will have been upended within a matter of months.

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