Real Madrid squad list: Injury rules Rudiger out of Sociedad clash

La Liga returns this weekend with a standout fixture at the Reale Arena, where Los Blancos will look to maintain their perfect start and pull clear at the top alongside Athletic Club. Xabi Alonso has named a 21-man squad, with Rudiger's absence the headline news.

According to Spanish reports, the centre-back picked up the problem towards the end of Germany's World Cup qualifiers and subsequent scans revealed damage to the rectus femoris in his left leg.

Madrid have not given an official timescale, but he could miss up to a dozen league games — including the derby against Atletico, the Clasico against Barcelona and a series of Champions League ties.

The 32-year-old stays in Madrid to continue his recovery, joining Jude Bellingham, Endrick, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga on the treatment table.

There is, however, some relief for Alonso, with Camavinga already cleared to return to full training and Bellingham also edging closer to a comeback, possibly before October.

The travelling squad leaves Madrid light in midfield, with only Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler available for selection.

Real Madrid squad list

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Sergio Mestre

Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Carreras, Fran Garcia and Huijsen

Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Guler and Ceballos

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim and Mastantuono