Rodrygo ruled out for 12 months with ACL and meniscus rupture

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn meniscus in his right knee, the club have confirmed.

The Brazil international will undergo surgery in the coming days.

The injury is expected to sideline him for up to a year.

That timeline would rule the 25-year-old out of this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by Real Madrid’s medical services, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn outer meniscus in his right leg,” the club said in a statement.

Rodrygo sustained the injury during Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Monday.

He had come off the bench and played more than 30 minutes before showing visible discomfort late in the match.

Medical assessments conducted afterwards confirmed the severity of the damage.

An ACL rupture is one of the most serious injuries in football and almost always requires surgical reconstruction.

Recovery typically takes between nine and 12 months for elite athletes.

The setback adds to Madrid’s growing list of long-term knee injuries in recent seasons.

Rodrygo becomes the fifth Madrid player to suffer an ACL tear since the summer of 2023.

Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have all endured similar injuries, while Eder Militao has suffered two separate ACL ruptures during that period.

Rodrygo’s absence leaves Madrid short in attacking areas at a crucial stage of the campaign.

He has made 27 appearances this season, scoring three goals, although his minutes have been limited.

The forward had recently returned from a spell out with tendinitis before this latest setback.

His injury is also a major blow for Brazil ahead of the World Cup.

Rodrygo featured in all five of his country’s matches at the 2022 tournament and had been working to secure a regular role under the national team’s current management.

Madrid’s focus now shifts to managing resources in both La Liga and the Champions League without one of their most versatile attackers.

For Rodrygo, the immediate priority is successful surgery and a long rehabilitation process.

It marks a devastating personal setback for a player who has often delivered in decisive moments for the Spanish giants.