Real Madrid are through to the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, becoming one of the first clubs to book their ticket to the round of 16, alongside Premier League champions Manchester City.
This came courtesy of their draw with Shakhtar Donetsk, with the Spanish giants picking up a point after playing out a 1-1 stalemate. However, Los Blancos came close to defeat and would have left Poland empty-handed had it not been for Antonio Rudiger's stoppage-time goal.
Sadly, that stoppage-time header came at a cost as it left the German center-back with a nasty head injury after colliding with opposition goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin who rushed off of his line in an attempt to punch the ball away.
Pictures of bloodied Rudiger went viral on social media, with those images quickly sparking fear. With Ancelotti's men preparing for El Clasico this weekend, the concern now is that the former Chelsea man will miss the clash with Barcelona.
Real Madrid will welcome their bitter rivals this Sunday in what should be a thrilling encounter. The pair are currently tied on 22 points each, but the Catalan giants hold the no.1 spot thanks to their superior goal difference over the European champions.
And with Xavi missing several players due to injuries, the Merengues will enter Sunday's game wanting nothing short of a victory. However, will Rudiger be available for that crucial match?
According to Spanish journalist José Luis Sánchez of La Sexta and El Chiringuito TV, Rudiger remains in contention for the weekend clash. The center-back has avoided a bone injury and could play in El Clasico with a mask. However, pulling this off between now and Sunday will be complicated.
Nonetheless, it is lovely news. Eder Militao was in the squad for the showdown with Shakhtar but was left on the bench after just recovering from an injury, meaning Ancelotti will not want to be short on defenders when Barcelona pay them a visit.
