Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has reassured fans that Antonio Rudiger did not suffer a serious injury during the Club World Cup win over Red Bull Salzburg, confirming the defender’s early substitution was merely precautionary.
The 32-year-old centre-back, who recently recovered from a knee operation that sidelined him at the end of last season, made his first start of the tournament on Thursday night.
Though there were concerns when Rudiger left the pitch in the 67th minute looking uncomfortable, Alonso clarified the situation post-match.
“He had cramp. Nothing serious. It was his first game from the start,” Alonso explained following Madrid’s 3-0 win. “He played a lot with three centre-backs at Chelsea, and this system gives us depth and flexibility.”
Rudiger featured in a back three alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Dean Huijsen—a formation Alonso hinted may become a tactical staple during the 2025–26 campaign. He praised the players’ adaptability and spoke of the system’s benefits:
“It gives us collective quality. It also allows for a three-versus-two with Rudiger and Huijsen wide, and space in between for Jude [Bellingham] and Arda [Guler]. I like having that flexibility.”
With the injury scare behind them, Real Madrid now turn their focus to a high-stakes Club World Cup round-of-16 match against Juventus on July 1. Alonso also addressed the fitness of Kylian Mbappe, who has missed all three group games due to a severe stomach flu that required hospitalization.
“We need him and want him back as soon as possible. I don’t want to be overly optimistic, but he’s one of the best players in the world, and we’re hopeful.”
Mbappe has already made a stunning impact in his debut season with Real Madrid, tallying 43 goals and 5 assists in 56 appearances following his move from PSG.
As Real Madrid advance into the knockout stage of the tournament, the return of a fully fit Rudiger and potentially Mbappe could be pivotal in their push for Club World Cup glory.