Official: Real Madrid make big deal for Madrid derby as key defender succumbs to injury

The big story for Real Madrid in the build-up to Sunday's Madrid derby has been regarding Antonio Rudiger's fitness. The German defender injured his thigh in a challenge with Mason Greenwood during the victory over Getafe on Thursday, which had seen him as very doubtful to take part against Atletico Madrid.

Reports earlier on Sunday had suggested that Rudiger would be fit and available for the match, despite missing training on Saturday. However, as it turns out, he did not, as he was not named in the team at all by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Dani Carvajal starts at centre-back alongside Nacho Fernandez, with Lucas Vazquez starting at right-back.

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Losing Rudiger is a big blow for Real Madrid. He has been a standout performer this season, especially with Eder Militao and David Alaba both sidelined with ACL tears. It remains to be seen how much effect it has on the result at the Santiago Bernabeu.