Antonio Rüdiger Will Wear Special Protective Mask Against Barcelona After Suffering Nasty Head Injury

• Antonio Rüdiger was a doubt for the game against Barcelona after suffering a nasty head injury
• Rüdiger received 20 stitches and will have to wear a protective mask as a precaution in El Clasico
• Real Madrid received a boost ahead of their game against Barcelona, with Rüdiger being declared fit

Real Madrid have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their game against Barcelona.

The La Liga champions will be able to call upon German defender Antonio Rudiger for the first El Clasico of the season.

Rudiger was a doubt for the big game after suffering a nasty blow in the UEFA Champions League game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Madrid.

He headed home in the game's dying minutes but, in doing so, suffered a blow to the head from the opposition goalkeeper. The Madrid defender needed 20 stitches around his left eye as a result.

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While many feared for his well-being, Rudiger remained optimistic and even sent a message to fans to reassure them that he was ok, ESPN reported.

Ancelotti’s comments on Rudiger

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti explained that the German will be available for El Clasico but will have to use a protective mask, Marca reported.

The player has been spotted wearing a protective mask during training sessions for the game against Barcelona.

"He is doing well. He is a warrior and excited about the game. He has a mask to prevent the cut from opening back up,” Ancelotti explained.

Shocking video of how Antonio Rudiger's injury was treated in the dressing room emerges

A fascinating video of Antonio Rudiger receiving treatment by Real Madrid medical staff in the dressing room after sustaining a gory gash against Shakhtar Donestk has hit social media.

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The 29-year-old scored a last-gasp equaliser but was left with blood streaming from his head after clashing with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

The former Chelsea defender reportedly needed 20 stitches on his sickening head injury, Sports Brief earlier reported.

Rudiger's Latest Photo is Heartbreaking

Sports Brief earlier reported that Real Madrid centre-half Antonio Rudiger is still unable to open his left eye after suffering a gory head injury during his side's Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.

Rudiger, who bravely rescued a point for Madrid at the detriment of his health, had his shirt drenched with blood following the injury.

Los Blancos needed just a point in their reverse tie against Shakhtar to seal an early qualification to the next phase of the Champions League.