Real Madrid’s defense alarm: Rudiger expected to miss final with Barcelona

Real Madrid may be in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, but they are considered the underdogs for the big showdown in Jeddah. Barcelona have won 10 consecutive domestic matches and their chances of extending that run to 11 have looked set to increase in the hours since Los Blancos beat city rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.

In the 69th minute of the Madrid derby, Xabi Alonso replaced both centre-backs. Raul Asensio is suffering from a minor injury and, while he is expected to be fit to face Barcelona, the same is almost certainly not true for Antonio Rüdiger.

Rüdiger was clearly struggling when he was substituted on Thursday and, according to Diario AS, Real Madrid officials admit that the German defender is unlikely to play against Barcelona. He lasted 69 minutes with a knee problem and, with the final just three days away, it is unlikely he will be taken into consideration.

Dean Huijsen and Asencio are therefore expected to form the starting central defence on Sunday. The former did not feature against Atletico but is expected to be fit for Barcelona, as is Asencio despite his injury. David Alaba is also a candidate, although it would be a surprise if he were to be thrust into the starting line-up straight away after only a handful of appearances in the last 12 months.

It is not all bad news for Real Madrid, however, as Alonso has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is likely to play against Barcelona. The 27-year-old has also been struggling with a knee problem in recent weeks, but he will travel to Saudi Arabia in the next 24 hours, where he will be assessed by the club’s medical staff before a decision is made on whether he will be included in the squad.