Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger hand Carlo Ancelotti a double fitness boost ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid has been handed a double fitness boost for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos will head into the second leg with a narrow lead after they recorded a 2-1 victory in last week’s meeting with Diego Simeone’s side.
Rodrygo saw his opener cancelled out by Julian Alvarez, before Brahim Diaz restored Real Madrid’s advantage to give his team the edge over their city rivals in the Champions League last-16 tie.
Real Madrid picked up another 2-1 victory in Sunday’s La Liga clash against Rayo, courtesy of first-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Los Blancos claimed maximum points without the services of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Antonio Rudiger, who were both absent from the matchday squad.
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Courtois, Rudiger return to training
Rudiger was not risked for Sunday’s fixture after struggling with flu, while Ancelotti told reporters after the game that Courtois was absent due to a “minor issue”.
However, the Real Madrid boss also stated that Courtois would be “recovered by Wednesday” to feature against Diego Simeone’s side.
As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, Courtois and Rudiger both took part in Monday’s training session, making it clear that will be ready to start at the Metropolitano.
Courtois is set to replace Andriy Lunin between the posts, while Rudiger is expected to partner Raul Asencio in central defence.
Federico Valverde was used as a substitute against Rayo, seemingly in a bid to manage his minutes following his recent physical issues.
The Uruguayan also took part in full training on Monday and is set to line up on the right side of defence against Atletico.
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Latest on key trio
According to journalist Guillermo Rai, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo all picked up knocks in Sunday’s win at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti provided an update on Bellingham’s fitness status after the game, allaying any injury fears by stating that the midfielder was “in good condition”.
Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo are all expected to shake off their minor issues to feature in Wednesday’s starting lineup.
However, Dani Ceballos remains sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are continuing their rehabilitation from long-term knee injuries.
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