MADRID: Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has undergone knee surgery hours before the German was given a six-match ban by the Spanish football federation for his behaviour in the recent Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.

A club statement said: “Our player Antonio Rudiger underwent successful surgery today for a partial tear in the external meniscus of his left leg. Rudiger will begin recovery work shortly.”

Rudiger has said he had played in severe pain for seven months.

He posted: “I want to be able to play again as soon as possible as two big tournaments with the Nations League and the Club World Cup are in front of me.

“But I have to look from week to week now and we will see. I will do everything I can to make it happen.”

Rudiger was sent off during Saturday’s Copa del Rey final for his angry reaction after the referee called a foul for a challenge by Kylian Mbappe moments after Jules Kounde had scored deep into extra time to put Barca ahead.

Rudiger, who apologised for his behaviour, was given a six-match suspension, while teammate Lucas Vazquez, who was also sent off, received a two-match ban.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was shown a red card for protesting to the referee after the final whistle, avoided a suspension.

Real, four points below league leaders Barcelona with five matches left, host Celta Vigo on Sunday.

#####