German defender Antonio Rüdiger has been named in Xabi Alonso squad for Real Madrid match against Pachuca this Sunday, part of the second round of Group H in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Rüdiger is back after recovering from a partial tear of the lateral meniscus in his left knee, an injury he sustained on April 29. The center-back was included in the Madrid squad that traveled from Palm Beach to Charlotte, where the match against the Mexican side will be played.

The German hasn’t played an official match since the Copa del Rey final on April 26, when Real Madrid lost to Barcelona. While he is fit again, Rüdiger is expected to start on the bench, with Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen likely to start in defense.

Mbappé Out Due to Illness

The most notable absence from the squad is French star Kylian Mbappé, who has not yet recovered from an acute bout of gastroenteritis that also sidelined him for Real Madrid opening match of the tournament a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in Miami.

Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also missing from the list, as he continues to train partially with the group after suffering a tendon tear in his left adductor.

A Crucial Chance for Rüdiger

Rüdiger return presents a key opportunity for the defender to prove himself and earn a spot in Xabi Alonso starting eleven. After months away from competition, the German will need to show flashes of the form he once displayed at Real Madrid. Otherwise, his role in the Spanish coach plans could be at risk.