Real Madrid have made an impressive start to the season, currently ranking at the top of the La Liga table with 21 points after winning seven out of eight games.
Los Blancos have also extended their success to the Champions League, with victories in both matches so far.
While it appears that the squad is coming together under head coach Xabi Alonso, who took charge in June, one of the Real Madrid stars is reportedly no longer a part of the Spaniard's plans.
Real Madrid are not planning to offer a contract renewal for defender Antonio Rudiger, whose current deal is set to expire next summer, according to a report from Bild.
Los Blancos, who had a tough time with an injury-riddled backline last season, signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras this summer to strengthen their defense.
Rudiger, meanwhile, has made only one appearance so far this season and has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that he sustained in September. Despite being a regular and a key player under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, the German star has not been able to establish his place in Alonso's pecking order.
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And now, with about eight months left on his current contract, Rudiger, being injury-prone and inconsistent on the pitch, has reportedly led Real Madrid to decide against offering him a new contract.
What's next for Real Madrid and Antonio Rudiger?
Rudiger underwent surgery following his injury last month and is not expected to return to action before December, missing an estimated 18 matches for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos potentially parting ways with Rudiger would not only make space for a new signing in the squad but also help with the club's finances, considering the 32-year-old currently earns an annual gross salary of €14m (£12m/$16.5m).
Several reports have suggested that Ibrahima Konate, Marc Guehi, and Dayot Upamecano are on Real Madrid's transfer target list.
While Rudiger would be hoping for a speedy recovery to return to the pitch and try to prove himself to Alonso, Real Madrid will now return to La Liga action in their match against Getafe on October 19, at Coliseum Stadium.
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