Real Madrid have suffered another setback as Rodrygo Goes picked up a hamstring injury that will sideline him for at least 10 days, compounding his recent Champions League suspension and ruling him out of key domestic fixtures.
The club confirmed the diagnosis after tests carried out by the Real Madrid Medical Services. The assessment revealed tendinosis in the hamstring of his right leg, with the club stating he is now “awaiting progress”.
The timing could hardly feel worse for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side. Rodrygo already faced a two-match Champions League ban following his dismissal for using abusive language towards the referee, a sanction that rules him out of both legs of the play-off tie against Benfica.
The Brazilian acknowledged his mistake on social media shortly after the ban incident . “Yesterday, in the heat of the moment, I complained about time-wasting and something happened that doesn’t reflect who I am,” Rodrygo said, striking a remorseful tone rather than defiance.
He went further, making it clear he understood the consequences. “I’ve never left the pitch like that for Real Madrid, and I didn’t fully realise what the outcome could be,” he added, before apologising to “the fans, the club, my team-mates and the coaches”.
On the pitch, the injury means Rodrygo will miss LaLiga matches against Valencia and Real Sociedad. Madrid expect him to regain fitness before the first leg against Benfica in Lisbon on 18 February, but suspension ensures he will still watch from the stands.
Rodrygo’s absence adds to a growing list of concerns in Madrid’s dressing room. Jude Bellingham continues to battle a hamstring issue, while Vinícius Júnior will miss the next European game through suspension.
Defensive depth also looks thin. Raúl Asencio will sit out the upcoming Champions League match due to accumulated yellow cards, joining Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy on the injury list.
Madrid sit second in LaLiga, one point behind Barcelona, and now face the challenge of navigating a decisive stretch of the season with key players missing.
