Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender back in training after recovering from illness
Following their 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves last night, Real Madrid players were back in training today at Valdebebas.
The Merengues, after all, are in action again soon as they face Real Betis away from home on Friday night in a crucial La Liga fixture.
As expected, the injured duo of Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo Goes did not take part in the training session, but there was some good news for Alvaro Arbeloa & co.
Raul Asencio back in training
Indeed, as confirmed by Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was back in training today after missing the game against Alaves.
The 23-year-old centre-back was sidelined with bacterial enterocolitis, an illness that required hospital treatment and caused him to lose up to six kilograms in a couple of days.
Having recovered sufficiently, Asencio was back training today, working individually on the pitch, focusing on light running as part of his gradual return.
This will come as a welcome boost for Real Madrid as they will need all players fit and available in the final stage of the season.
Even more so, considering that Eder Militao had another injury scare against Alaves last night and will undergo scans tomorrow to determine the extent of the problem.
Asencio fighting for his future
While it remains to be seen if Asencio makes it back to the squad for Friday’s trip to Real Betis, the Spaniard is staring at an uncertain future at Real Madrid.
Indeed, the La Fabrica graduate has fallen down the pecking order at the club, and is essentially the fourth-choice centre-back behind Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Dean Huijsen.
And with Real Madrid expected to make another new addition to the position in the summer, his situation will only regress.
Moreover, there is disappointment within the club with his attitude, after he got into an argument with Arbeloa. Asencio, for his part, does not wish to leave and will hope to prove himself and convince Real Madrid to keep him in the final few games.
Real Madrid are hoping to have Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate and Federico Valverde available for the La Liga meeting with Villarreal, with the fitness of all three players being closely monitored, according to Melchor Ruiz.
The trio have each faced different injury concerns during the past few weeks, leaving Madrid waiting for clarity before Saturday’s fixture.
Their availability could be particularly important given the problems already affecting the squad.
Mbappe expected back at Valdebebas
Mbappe was released early from France duty after suffering pain in his left knee during the national team’s first match against Turkiye.
Tests ruled out a serious injury, allowing the forward to take several days of active rest under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical staff.
After returning to Madrid, Mbappe is expected at Valdebebas to continue his recovery and conditioning work.
Despite the scare, his knee problem is not currently expected to rule him out against Villarreal.
Real Madrid will nevertheless assess his condition before deciding how much work he can handle ahead of the game.
Konate provides relief amid defensive problems
Konate’s situation is also being watched closely, although the initial fears surrounding his knee have eased.
The centre-back suffered a collateral ligament problem in his right knee before appearing for France.
Further assessment ruled out a serious injury, providing significant relief for Madrid at a time when defensive options are already stretched.
Eder Militao remains sidelined, while Raul Asencio is also unavailable, making Konate’s recovery particularly important to Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Valverde facing the biggest recovery race
Valverde’s situation could be the most difficult of the three.
The midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid after a heavy challenge from Kang-in Lee.
He was initially diagnosed with a severe contusion, but subsequent examinations revealed a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle. Real Madrid initially expected him to need around two to three weeks to recover.
That timeline puts his availability for Villarreal under pressure, although the club remains hopeful that he can return in time.
With the three important players dealing with separate fitness issues, Real Madrid will continue assessing their progress before the Villarreal clash.
None of the trio has yet been confirmed as fit, but the club’s hope is to have all three available for selection.
