Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Atletico Madrid will be without two key players vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid are set to face Real Madrid in the upcoming Madrid derby, but Diego Simeone’s side will be without two key players, reports MARCA.
Cesar Azpilicueta, a senior defender, and Pablo Barrios, a young and talented attacking midfielder, will not be available for the crucial clash.
While this news might offer some relief for Real Madrid, it is still a big blow for Atletico, who have been relying on both players for their contributions this season.
Why are they unavailable?
Barrios, who has been impressive for Atletico, sustained an injury while representing Spain’s U-21 team during international duty.
Since then, he has been working hard to return to full fitness, but despite making progress by beginning light training, he is still unavailable.
His absence has already seen him miss matches against Valencia, RB Leipzig, Rayo Vallecano, and Celta Vigo, with the Madrid derby added to that growing list. His creativity and energy in the midfield will be sorely missed by Simeone’s side.
On the other hand, Azpilicueta’s injury is a more recent setback. During Atletico’s recent game against Rayo Vallecano, the experienced defender felt a sharp pain in his left leg after an awkward landing from a header.
The pain forced him to leave the pitch just before half-time, and it is now confirmed that he has a muscle injury. Losing such a seasoned player at this stage of the season is a major concern for Atletico, as his leadership at the back has been invaluable.
Replacing him will be a challenge for Simeone, especially in such an important match against their city rivals.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have injury concerns of their own, with Kylian Mbappe ruled out after picking up a knock in their recent match against Alaves.
However, Madrid have the good news of Eduardo Camavinga’s return, and he is expected to feature in the derby. Despite the absence of their star forward, Real Madrid still possess enough depth to pose a significant challenge to Atletico.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
