Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran will be available vs Espanyol despite absence from training
After kissing goodbye to their hopes of a late La Liga title push last week, Real Madrid return to action on Sunday when they take on RCD Espanyol away at home.
The objective will be to delay Barcelona’s coronation a little and ending the season on a strong note by winning all remaining matches.
Heading into the game, Los Blancos have several absentees due to injuries, with Eder Militao, Rodygo Goes, Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, and Thibaut Courtois all unavailable.
Dani Carvajal expected to be fit
Now, according to MARCA, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is expected to be fit and available for Sunday’s game despite missing training today.
The 34-year-old veteran right-back gave a scare this week as he did not train with the rest of the group due to a knock in his foot.
Carvajal was not part of the group training session today either and instead worked inside the facilities.
However, as per the report, there is no cause for concern as Carvajal is expected to be back in group training with his teammates on Saturday and be available for the trip to the RCDE Stadium on Sunday.
Even though he is set to be fit and available, chances are slim that he will get any minutes against Espanyol.
After all, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has made it clear that he prefers Trent Alexander-Arnold as his first-choice starter at right-back and has barely used Carvajal since taking over the reins in January.
So far this term, the Real Madrid captain has only played a total of 885 minutes across 20 games in all competitions. With his contract set to expire in June, Carvajal could very well be playing his final season at the club.
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.
