Rudiger out for the rest of the season

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, has been ruled out for the rest of the season, as he faces a long spell on the sidelines after having knee surgery.

Rudiger was forced off in extra time on Saturday as Real lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona and was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the external meniscus in his left knee.

Real did not give a timescale for his recovery but Spanish media reports say he could be out for between six and eight weeks, which would rule him out of the rest of the domestic season and make him doubtful for the Club World Cup, which starts on 15 June.

The Germany international is already facing a long ban after being sent off for throwing an object, reportedly an ice cube, external, at the referee during the Barcelona defeat.

Under article 101 of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) disciplinary code, which covers "mild violence" towards referees, Rudiger could receive a suspension of between four and 12 matches.

However, if his actions are deemed more serious, he could face a ban of anything between three months to a year.

Rudiger has since apologised for the incident, which occurred after he had been substituted, saying there was "definitely no excuse" for his behaviour.