Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger faces a long spell on the sidelines after having knee surgery.
The Germany international was forced off in extra time on Saturday as Real lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona and was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the external meniscus in his left knee.
Real did not give a timescale for his recovery but Spanish media reports say he could be out for between six and eight weeks, which would rule him out of the rest of the domestic season and make him doubtful for the Club World Cup, which starts on 15 June.
Germany are also competing in the Nations League finals, which take place between 4 and 8 June.
In a post on social media, Rudiger said he had been playing in pain for more than seven months and that surgery was unavoidable.
“Now I’m finally pain-free again, and the surgery was a success. Thanks to the medical team,” he said.
“[There are] two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup in front of me, but I have to look from week to week. I will do everything I can to make it happen.”
Rudiger, 32,” is already facing a long ban after being sent off for throwing an object, reportedly an ice cube, external, at the referee during the Barcelona defeat.
Under article 101 of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary code, which covers “mild violence” towards referees, Rudiger could receive a suspension of between four and 12 matches.
However, if his actions are deemed more serious, he could face a ban of anything between three months to a year.
