Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Courtois, Valverde, Kroos, Isco, Sergio Ramos ahead of Real Madrid vs Sevilla
Real Madrid continued their winning form by registering a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Elche this midweek, with Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema among the scorers.
The reigning Spanish champions, though, will brace themselves for a tough contest ahead as they take on Sevilla on Saturday. It is a must-win game for the league leaders, especially with FC Barcelona breathing down their necks.
Heading into the game, Carlo Ancelotti attended the press conference, offering his thoughts on Isco’s return, along with providing a fitness update on key players.
“The team is fine, we are in a good moment. Sevilla are trying to recover from a difficult period and now they’re better. It will be a tough game,” he said when asked about the game.
Ancelotti confirmed the return of Thibaut Courtois, suggesting he ‘will play tomorrow’. The Real Madrid manager also vowed not to rotate, adding: “I won’t rotate tomorrow. All the players are fine.”
Ancelotti went on to praise Federico Valverde, who has emerged as a key player for Real Madrid this season, firmly establishing himself as a first-team regular.
“Valverde is showing a great level. We’re very happy for him because he’s a very good person. His shooting technique is almost as good as [Marco] Asensio’s,” he said.
Ancelotti backed another key midfielder Toni Kroos to continue at Santiago Bernabeu as well. “Toni Kroos is very calm ahead of his future. He will think about his future in January. But I think he will continue at Real Madrid.”
The Real Madrid manager was asked about his players’ prospects in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Responding to the question, Ancelotti offered uncertainty but suggested that the timing of the competition could lead to players returning on top form.
“We don’t know what will happen after the World Cup. We will have to give our players some days off after the tournament. The best thing of this World Cup is all the players will arrive in top form, in the middle of the season. The other years the players were all exhausted during summer,” he said.
Ancelotti was also asked about some of the former Real Madrid players, including Sergio Ramos, who started his career at Sevilla. He hailed the legendary Spaniard as ‘one of the best in the world‘.
As for the returning Isco, he added, “Isco back at the Bernabéu tomorrow? I’m happy to see him again and meet him. He’s been a great player for Real Madrid.”
Isco played for Real Madrid from 2013 to 2022, featuring in over 350 competitive matches in the process, before he eventually joined Sevilla on a free transfer this summer. He will be one of Sevilla’s creative lynchpins when they take on Real Madrid tomorrow.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
