James Rodriguez fit, Marcelo and Lucas Vazquez doubts vs. Getafe
Real Madrid will face Getafe on Matchweek 19 in La Liga, and it looks like James Rodriguez will be able to make his return to the 19-man squad.
James Rodriguez is one of the Real Madrid players mentioned frequently in transfer rumors, as he could be sold upon the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season. The 28-year-old recently returned from a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich and has played well, but it is difficult for an attacking midfielder to set themselves apart when the likes of Toni Kroos and Isco are also in the squad.
Furthermore, James has been hurt by injuries this season. He suffered a second injury over the November international break and has been out since. However, he’s been training with the squad and looks ready to return for the Jan. 4 clash against upstarts Getafe.
According to MARCA, via Infinite Madrid on Twitter, James is fit for selection on Saturday. He’ll have to work to gain Zinedine Zidane‘s trust over other very talented players, but James’ passing and technical quality should afford him opportunities in the second half of the season, even if it’s too early for him to start again.
Two other injured players are on the cusp of making their returns, as Lucas Vazquez and Marcelo have been training with the squad, too. Marcelo has been out for more than a month with a calf injury, while Vazquez suffered a freak injury while lifting weights.
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Although both men have been training before Saturday’s game against Getafe’s stingy defense, MARCA reports that both should be considered “doubts” for Matchweek 19. Zidane likes to take things slowly with injured players, especially veteran players, and Marcelo has already suffered an injury earlier this season. So being cautious is best, as a setback to a key player like Marcelo could be costly later in the season when the Champions League knockout stages begin.