Real Madrid have welcomed some good news on the injury front this week as both Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler are close to returning from their spell on the sidelines.
Indeed, the pair has resumed training and there is a possibility one or both could be back this week against Villarreal.
More good news
In more positive news, Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal is also making very good progress in his recovery and could be back before the end of the year.
The 31-year-old suffered a calf injury during the match against Granada earlier this month and it was expected that he would not be ready to play again in 2023.
But, with his recovery going well, there is an expectation that Carvajal could return in time for the match against Alaves later this month.
In fact, MARCA is now reporting that such has been the defender’s progress that he could be in contention to make it to the squad list as early as this week for the game against Villarreal on Sunday night.
Carvajal did some light training on the pitch individually today, but the signs are very encouraging as far as Los Blancos are concerned.
Carvajal won’t be rushed
However, the report adds that Real Madrid do not plan on rushing Carvajal back into action, thanks to the form displayed by backup defender Lucas Vazquez.
The 32-year-old veteran has filled in for his compatriot in the last two games as well as the second half vs Granada and has done a fairly solid job.
As such, Los Blancos are happy with Vazquez’s contributions and see no need to rush Carvajal back.
So, it will be interesting to see if Carlo Ancelotti opts to bring his first-choice right-back into the roster before the end of 2023, or waits until the new year.