The health of two key players, who are physically at their limit, is the focus of all attention in Madrid.
After hosting Rayo on Sunday, Real will play a decisive match against Atletico for the rest of the season. As this match approaches, the health of two pillars of the eleven is worrying the Madrid staff.
It is obvious that Federico Valverde has minor muscular problems that he has been carrying around for several weeks. Rested for three matches, then recalled for the first leg of the Champions League against Atletico last Tuesday, the Uruguayan is not at full strength.
It is therefore not surprising that he trained away from the group yesterday, and that he only participated in part of the collective session this Friday. No one would be surprised, moreover, if he is not called up, or better still left on the bench for the next day of La Liga. Real Madrid desperately need him to travel to the Metropolitano in five days.
But Fede Valverde is not Ancelotti’s only concern. Rüdiger and his knee are another issue that worries the coach. The central defender has been suffering from knee discomfort for some time and the club knows that playing him is not without risks.
With Alaba returning from injury and Militao sidelined until next season, Rüdiger has become essential. In this sense, the emergence of canterano Asencio is great news for the team. It is also very likely that the young Spaniard will start alongside Alaba this weekend to face Rayo, which would allow the German to breathe a little.
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