Good news for Madrid: Alaba and Rudiger available for City clash

Real Madrid will face Manchester City on Wednesday in the return leg of the Champions League play-off. With only a single goal separating the two sides and an injury-hit squad, every bit of positive news is a boost for Ancelotti's coaching staff. And with just two days to go before the match, the Italian manager has received two significant updates.

Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba have both returned to training. The squad had been eagerly awaiting their comeback since last week, and on Monday, in their second session since drawing at El Sadar, they were finally able to complete a full training session.

Both the German and the Austrian worked without any issues, meaning they have now recovered from their respective injuries and could be available in time for the Champions League.

 

February 16, 2025

Both players had been dealing with muscle injuries. Rudiger picked up a right hamstring injury against Espanyol on 1st February, while Alaba suffered an adductor strain in his left leg around the same time.

Against Osasuna, Ancelotti had just Jesus Vallejo as the only natural centre-back from the first-team squad. Raul Asencio was the only real defensive option alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, who has had to adapt to playing out of position.

Fede Valverde is also being carefully managed. The Uruguayan has had no respite, not having been named as a substitute since 16th January in the Copa del Rey. He is the outfield player with the most minutes in the squad, which is why he has spent the last two days doing recovery work away from the group. Nonetheless, he is expected to be fit and available for Wednesday's match.