London, 4 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) – Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which will also rule the Brazilian out of the World Cup.

Rodrygo – who had just returned from a five-game absence – came off the bench early in the second half of the 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Monday night, and later fell awkwardly, clutching his knee, but was able to complete the remainder of the match.

However, further tests by medical staff have now revealed the severity of the injury.

A club statement read: “Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right leg.”

The loss of Rodrygo follows on from Kylian Mbappe’s own knee problem, which will see the French forward miss the upcoming Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Monday night’s second successive league defeat for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side keeps Real four points behind leaders Barcelona.

Following news of Rodrygo’s diagnosis, the Brazilian Football Confederation sent a message of support for the 25-year-old.

“The CBF expresses its solidarity with the athlete Rodrygo Goes, forward for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, who suffered a serious injury during the match against Getafe in the Spanish League,” a statement read.

“Rodrygo sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and the outer meniscus of his right knee.

“The CBF wishes the athlete a speedy recovery and that he returns to the pitch as soon as possible.”

Photo: EPA