Real Madrid defender to start against Atletico despite injury issue

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is already missing a number of his resources in a crucial clash with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercup, but it does look as if he will have Antonio Rudiger in the end. The German veteran became a late doubt on Wednesday.

Alonso is without star forward Kylian Mbappe due to a knee problem, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Eder Militao are also out with injuries, and Brahim Diaz is at the African Cup of Nations with Morocco. Dani Carvajal is back in contention, but unlikely to start, Fede Valverde seems as if he will continue at right-back.

Antonio Rudiger injury scare

Rudiger is in contention to start the match in central defence, with one of Dean Huijsen or Raul Asencio. The former missed the 5-1 win over Real Betis due to knee discomfort, but is expected to be back against Atletico. Cadena Cope report that Rudiger suffered pain in his knee on Wednesday, and missed training on Wednesday evening, calling into question his spot in the starting XI. However, he is expected to be fit to play in the Madrid derby.

Gonzalo Garcia’s big day?

All signs point to the fact that centre-forward Gonzalo Garcia will be the one to start, between Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior, in the absence of Mbappe. Garcia grabbed a hat-trick against Real Betis, and his natural number nine play benefitted their attack significantly, recalling his form in the Club World Cup.

🚨 Diego Simeone’s only doubt for tonight: Ruggeri or Le Normand.@ellarguero pic.twitter.com/dnDbnc4s5y

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) January 8, 2026

This will be his big chance to lay claim to at least more game time, if not a starting spot, having been starved of opportunities in recent months. Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are tipped to continue in midfield, with Arda Guler continuing his own run out of the starting line-up.