Real Madrid finally received some good news in training as both Isco and Marcelo returned to training with the squad. The hope is that both players will be fit enough to play against Levante on the 20th.
Marcelo completed the full training session Wednesday afternoon as Isco worked both inside with the Real Madrid staff and outside with his teammates who remained in the capital over the international break.
This was the first session in nearly two weeks that Marcelo has been able to complete after suffering a hamstring tweak in the 3-0 loss at Sevilla.
Based off of what I have seen, Marcelo looked very good in the session today as manager Julen Lopetegui had his team work on pressing on defense and ball control.
Another area of focus today was crossing and finishing, which I think we can all agree is definitely an area these players should be focusing on after the last four matches.
Isco, on the other hand, underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis shortly before that match against Sevilla. According to reports from the club, the midfielder is making great progress recovering from the surgery and should be back in full training some time next week.
While Isco and Marcelo are nearing a return, Dani Carvajal and Karim Benzema worked individually inside the facility. The two will likely not be cleared to return to full training until closer to the end of the month.
Carvajal picked up a rather serious calf injury in the 1-0 loss to CSKA Moscow last week and won’t be back in action for at least another two or three weeks. This is the second injury spell the right-back has had to deal with this season, making fans question his fitness levels and durability.
The Real Madrid number nine picked up a knock in the disappointing 1-0 loss to Deportivo Alavés over the weekend and he too is dealing with a leg muscle problem that should keep him out until right around El Clásico at the end of the month.
With Karim out, this could give Mariano Díaz a much-needed chance to break into the squad as a starter and prove to Lopetegui that he deserves more playing time.
Other than Marcelo and Isco, the following players all participated in Wednesday’s session:
"“Casilla, Luca, Odriozola, Reguilón, Marcos Llorente, Mariano, Lucas Vázquez and Castilla players López, Javi Sánchez, Alberto, Martín, Fran García, Cristo, De la Fuente, Zabarte, Álex, Seoane, Jaume, De Frutos and Feuillassier.”"
The team will be back out at the Valadebebas on Thursday for their fourth session of the week.