Rüdiger and Trent edging closer to Madrid return as Champions League looms
Real Madrid's defensive duo making progress in training but won't feature against Benfica, while Mbappé and Carreras should be fit for the Champions League clash in Lisbon.
Real Madrid’s injury-hit squad received a welcome boost with Antonio Rüdiger returning to partial training, though neither he nor Trent Alexander-Arnold will make the trip to Portugal midweek.
Defensive reinforcements on the horizon
Monday’s training session at Valdebebas saw the German centre-back join his teammates on the grass for part of the workout, despite the proper British weather making an appearance with rain lashing down. Both Rüdiger and summer signing Trent are making steady progress but remain unavailable for the Champions League clash with Benfica.
The defensive duo could potentially make their comebacks in Sunday’s domestic fixture against Rayo Vallecano, or failing that, they should be ready to face Valencia the following week. It’s proper good news for Carlo Ancelotti, who’s been juggling his defensive options like a circus performer lately.
Mbappé fit for European duty
No need to have a bubble bath about Kylian Mbappé’s availability though. The French superstar completed an individual training session described by the club as “moderate” but should be in fine fettle for the trip to Lisbon. Youngster Carreras is in a similar boat, with both expected to be available for selection.
Other injury updates
- Éder Militão continues his recovery work in the gym
- Ferland Mendy trained alone on the pitch as part of his rehabilitation process
- Aurélien Tchouaméni returns to the squad after serving his suspension during Saturday’s victory at Villarreal
With no fresh faces expected to return for the Benfica match, Ancelotti will likely field a similar lineup to the one that secured three points at La Cerámica, with Tchouaméni providing a welcome midfield option.
The gradual return of key defenders will be crucial as Madrid navigate a busy fixture list across multiple competitions, though the gaffer will be chuffed to bits that his attacking options remain largely intact for the Champions League encounter.