Regression in 5.4.0-24 kernel, r8169 network driver is broken

[Blaze]

No network connection since 5.4.0-24 kernel update, `dmesg` output contains the following unusual line:

[ 2.450854] r8169 0000:01:00.0: realtek.ko not loaded, maybe it needs to be added to initramfs?

Important note: this module is available and listed in the `lsmod` output

Possible cause is the following change:

    - r8169: fix PHY driver check on platforms w/o module softdeps

https://paste.ubuntu.com/p/YcVx6jPndD/

No logs included bc I'm using the previous kernel build rn, so no point I guess

[Ubuntu Kernel Bot (ubuntu-kernel-bot)]

This bug is missing log files that will aid in diagnosing the problem. While running an Ubuntu kernel (not a mainline or third-party kernel) please enter the following command in a terminal window:

apport-collect 1873644

and then change the status of the bug to 'Confirmed'.

If, due to the nature of the issue you have encountered, you are unable to run this command, please add a comment stating that fact and change the bug status to 'Confirmed'.

This change has been made by an automated script, maintained by the Ubuntu Kernel Team.

[Blaze (blaze)]

Another important note: this module is included to initramfs so this "fix" fixes nothing, in fact breaks stuff

[Ubuntu Kernel Bot (ubuntu-kernel-bot)]

This bug is missing log files that will aid in diagnosing the problem. While running an Ubuntu kernel (not a mainline or third-party kernel) please enter the following command in a terminal window:

apport-collect 1873644

and then change the status of the bug to 'Confirmed'.

If, due to the nature of the issue you have encountered, you are unable to run this command, please add a comment stating that fact and change the bug status to 'Confirmed'.

This change has been made by an automated script, maintained by the Ubuntu Kernel Team.

[alex (alexion4)]

Should be fixed by:
net: phy: realtek: fix handling of RTL8105e-integrated PHY

[Blaze (blaze)]

I can confirm that the new update fixes this issue

$ apt policy linux-generic
linux-generic:
  Installed: 5.4.0.26.32
  Candidate: 5.4.0.26.32
  Version table:
 *** 5.4.0.26.32 500
        500 http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-proposed/main amd64 Packages