Real Madrid have been handed a huge boost ahead of a hectic start to the year as both left-back Marcelo and winger Lucas Vázquez have returned to training.
Marcelo missed the side’s last four league games as a result of a calf injury – his third issue of the season already – while a fractured toe kept Vázquez sidelined since late November.
Manager Zinedine Zidane was eager to see the players return in time for the Spanish Supercopa, which will see Real head to Saudi Arabia to compete with Valencia, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid between 8-12th January, and Mundo Deportivo state that both could now be available.
Marcelo and Vázquez took part in exactly the same session as the rest of the healthy squad, suggesting that both are now in contention for the trip to Saudi Arabia.
They could even feature in Saturday’s meeting with Getafe, and they could do so alongside Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez, who is thought to be close to full fitness after a frustrating end to 2019.
Rodríguez has not been seen since the middle of October after suffering various setbacks in his attempts to recover from a knee injury, but all the signs suggest that he is now ready to feature for the side once again.
With Real facing a stretch of three games in eight days, Zidane will certainly need as many players as possible to help rotate his squad – especially given the importance of their upcoming La Liga fixtures.
Los Blancos ended the year with a frustrating 0-0 draw with Athletic Club, leaving them two points behind league leaders Barcelona, so Zidane will be desperate for his side to bounce back as soon as possible.
Once they return from Saudi Arabia, Real will meet fellow high-flyers Sevilla on 18th January, in a game which certainly has the potential to cause Los Blancos more than a few problems.
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