Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger could reportedly be available for Sunday's clash with Barcelona.
The Germany international picked up a head injury when he levelled against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Rudiger was first to a Toni Kroos delivery inside the Shakhtar box, but he took a heavy knock in the process, with the central defender picking up a deep cut to his forehead.
The summer arrival from Chelsea is believed to have required as many as 20 stitches, but he posted on social media following the match that he was "okay".
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger 👊🏾 I am okay - thanks for all your messages 🤞🏾🙏🏾 #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve pic.twitter.com/ynnLw5Cjfo
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) October 11, 2022
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was also asked about the German and said that he was "happy because he scored an important goal".
"He has a cut on his forehead. He is mending it and emotionally he is fine. He laughs and is happy because he has scored an important goal," Ancelotti told reporters after the match.
According to journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Rudiger did not suffer any bone issues in the challenge, meaning that he could potentially be available for El Clasico at the weekend.
Sanchez claims that the defender could wear 'a protective mask' against Barcelona, but Ancelotti is unlikely to take any risks when it comes to the 29-year-old.
© Reuters
Rudiger's equaliser, which came in second-half stoppage time, was enough to send Real Madrid into the knockout round of the competition with two matches to spare.
The defender has made 12 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on eight occasions in La Liga, while he has also played three times in the Champions League.
Rudiger is yet to cement his spot in the starting XI, though, with David Alaba and Eder Militao still regarded as the first-choice centre-back partnership for the European champions.
Real Madrid still have another five games before the end of the month, facing Barcelona, Elche, Sevilla and Girona in Spain's top flight, in addition to a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.
Matt Law
