Real Madrid has released footage showing Antonio Rudiger, the Real Madrid defender, getting his head stitched after sustaining a terrible injury against Shakhtar Donezk.
Rudiger was leading the Champions League holders at the level when Rudiger made a dramatic move, depriving the Ukrainian side of a historic victory.
Rudiger was injured in a collision with Anatoliy Trubin goalkeeper. He was left covered in blood and his Los Blancos shirt was dyed a new shade.
In what initially looked like a worrying moment for the German international, fears were quickly allayed when he posted a selfie on Instagram from the flight home to Spain, featuring his heavily bandaged head, with the caption: “We alive.”
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” he then wrote on Twitter. “I am okay – thanks for all your messages.”
The La Liga champions now have their own website VideoRudiger was stitched on the treatment table as a sign of how the injury had affected his life.
And it’s fair to say some of his teammates found the process all a little bit squeamish.
David Alaba was the first to inspect Rudiger. He watched as medical personnel attended to Rudiger. Chelsea man. The Austrian international stood firm, cradled Rudiger’s head in his hand and even gave his teammate a kiss on the forehead.
The same couldn’t be said of compatriot Toni Kroos who was next in to check on Rudiger’s welfare. When he looked uncomfortable at his teammate, the German midfielder made it clear that he was feeling hurt.
Luka Modric wasn’t so subtle with his thoughts, either, as the former Ballon d’Or winner put his hand to his mouth as he watched the stitch-up job in real time.
Rudiger was told by the Medics to be patient after treatment. Rudiger rose from his bed and went back to the changing area with his teammates.
Rudiger required 20 stitches for the wound, but it is unknown when he will return to competitive action.
Real Madrid have not yet ruled the German out of this Sunday’s clash with Barcelona in the first ‘El Clasico’ of the season and will almost certainly be required to wear a face mask if passed fit for the clash.
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