Real Madrid's Rudiger has knee surgery
Antonio Rudiger (right) was forced off in the 111th minute
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger faces a long spell on the sidelines after having knee surgery.
Rudiger 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.
The Germany international, 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.
reportedly an ice cube, external
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.
Rudiger apologises for throwing object at referee
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Rudiger has since apologised for the incident, which occurred after he had been substituted, saying there was "definitely no excuse" for his behaviour.
Team-mate Lucas Vazquez, who had also been substituted, was sent off too as both players angrily reacted to a foul given against Kylian Mbappe shortly before the final whistle.
Real's England midfielder Jude Bellingham, 21, was also later sent off for dissent.
Jules Kounde scored in the 116th minute to secure a 3-2 win for Barcelona in a thriller.
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