Real Madrid defensive mainstay back in group training, but key duo absent | OneFootball

As Real Madrid continued their preparations for their upcoming matches, Carlo Ancelotti & co. welcomed a much-needed training boost today.

Even as their weekend La Liga clash against Valencia stands likely to be postponed, Real Madrid have welcomed back key defender Antonio Rudiger to group training today, reports Melchor Ruiz.

Rudiger suffered a muscle overload during last weekend’s El Clasico defeat to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

While tests revealed no injury, the German international did not train with the group over the past couple of days, limiting himself to gym work and individual training.

Despite that, there was always confidence that the former Chelsea ace would recover in time to face Valencia, should the game go ahead as per plans.

Now, Rudiger has indeed returned to group training and would likely be available if Real Madrid travel to Mestalla to face Valencia on Saturday.

If not, the German will have a couple more extra days to recover as Los Blancos’ next game wiil be against AC Milan on November 5.

Mbappe, Bellingham train inside

Absent from group training. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

While Rudiger’s return was a welcome boost, Real Madrid key duo Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe work inside the training facilities away from the group.

While there is no update on the reason behind their absence from the training with the rest of the squad, it must be noted that both players have had fitness problems not long ago and as such, the staff might be taking some caution with the pair.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, continued to work on the pitch by himself, with his return also tipped for the AC Milan game.