Real Madrid News
Veteran star expected to start ahead of returning defender vs Juventus
Real Madrid will look to secure a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals as they take on Juventus in the Round of 16.
Xabi Alonso will be blessed with more options at his disposal heading into this game, as Kylian Mbappe is poised for a return to the pitch after suffering with a major illness.
Raul Asencio, too, is back in contention after picking up a red card in the second match and subsequently serving a suspension.
However, Asencio’s return to contention won’t guarantee him a starting role in the team against Juventus.
Antonio Rudiger to start against Juventus
According to Diario AS, Antonio Rudiger looks all set to start against Juventus in the Round of 16 despite despite a slight injury scare in the previous match
Rudiger was substituted in the second half due to what the club later confirmed to be just cramps, stemming from overexertion.
He has since returned to full training in Palm Beach and looks sharp ahead of the all-important clash against Juventus.
Xabi Alonso could stick to the three-man defence that worked wel in the final group stage game.
Rudiger’s presence is likely to provide both leadership and defensive solidity, something Real Madrid will need against the Bianconeri’s front line.
This could mean that Asencio, despite serving his suspension, might have to wait a bit longer for a starting berth.
His return will, however, be a valuable option off the bench if Madrid require fresh legs or a tactical tweak later in the game.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
