Real Madrid: Key Players Make Progress Ahead of Sevilla Clash

Real Madrid returned to training at Valdebebas on Thursday, setting the stage for their highly anticipated league match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night (9:00 PM). The training session was marked by a blend of optimism and caution for Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff. While some players recovering from injuries made notable strides, others remained sidelined, creating uncertainty ahead of the fixture.

The standout news from the session was the partial return of Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba. All three participated in group drills for part of the training, signaling their progress toward full fitness. However, their availability for the Sevilla match remains uncertain, as they will undergo further evaluations on Friday to determine if they can be included in the matchday squad. Meanwhile, Raúl Asencio’s situation poses a significant concern; the young defender has yet to train with the team after suffering from a fever that kept him out of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Talavera de la Reina. His recovery is still ongoing, casting doubt on his participation against Sevilla.

Training Regimen and Recovery Focus

Players who played pivotal roles in Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey victory—despite a less-than-stellar performance—were restricted to gym work during Thursday’s training. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde also engaged in indoor sessions aimed at recovery. Fortunately, the trip to El Prado did not yield any new injury issues, allowing Alonso to focus on preparations without additional setbacks.

Confirmed Absences and Tactical Considerations

As preparations continue, several players have already been ruled out for Saturday’s encounter. Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all in the final stages of their respective recovery processes and will miss the Sevilla fixture. Additionally, Brahim Díaz is unavailable after joining Morocco’s national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Álvaro Carreras and Endrick will also be absent due to suspensions.

This match presents a crucial opportunity for Real Madrid to solidify their standing in La Liga as they aim to build momentum following their Copa del Rey success. Can they navigate through these injury challenges and secure a vital win against a formidable Sevilla side? With key players inching closer to return, fans will be eagerly awaiting news from Friday’s assessments.