Rodrygo Faces Setback with Injury and Suspension

Real Madrid has confirmed that Rodrygo has suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg, which will keep him out of action for approximately 10 days. He is anticipated to miss matches against Valencia and Real Sociedad but could potentially return for the fixture against Osasuna on February 21. This injury occurs as the team prepares to face Benfica in Lisbon, a rematch following Benfica’s 4-2 victory that led to their qualification for the Champions League playoffs after the league phase.

In addition to his injury, UEFA has imposed a two-match ban on Rodrygo, rendering him ineligible for both legs of the Champions League knockout playoff round. The governing body cited the use of “insulting and abusive language” directed at match officials as the reason for this suspension. Rodrygo later expressed regret on social media, stating, “Yesterday I got carried away in the moment when complaining about wasted time. It’s not my way of doing things. I had never been sent off playing with Real Madrid and I am aware of the consequences. I apologize to the fans, the club, my teammates, and the coach. We will continue united and fighting for this badge and for this Champions League!”

Real Madrid is currently facing a crisis regarding the availability of key players. Young defender Raul Asencio is also suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the match against Benfica. Moreover, England superstar Jude Bellingham has sustained a hamstring tear, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy are expected to return to the squad within the next two weeks. Vinicius Junior will also miss the upcoming game due to his own suspension.

Since taking charge on January 12, coach Arbeloa has overseen mixed results, including a defeat to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey and a loss to Benfica in the Champions League. However, the team has secured victories against Levante, Villarreal, and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, as well as a win over Monaco in Europe.

Following the loss to Benfica, Arbeloa stated, “I do not regret any message I delivered because it reflects what I believe in. If your conclusion is that today’s match was like this because the front players did not run enough, I completely disagree with you. Clearly, today we were far from where we wanted to be. To win this type of match, you have to do many things right, not just one thing, and you have to do them for the full 90 minutes.”

Real Madrid will take on Valencia on Saturday as they aim to close the gap on Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Their first leg against Benfica is scheduled for February 17 in Portugal, with the second leg taking place at the Bernabeu on February 25. Benfica’s remarkable comeback, highlighted by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-minute header, secured their place in the upcoming fixture.