Real Madrid started preparations for the game against Osasuna. As you may know, the team has to play against Osasuna and then visit London for a clash against Chelsea.
Sergio Ramos is back in action
Sergio Ramos has returned to training with the rest of his teammates ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Osasuna at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Saturday. The Real Madrid captain could also be at Zinedine Zidane’s disposal for the return leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Chelsea next Wednesday. With both Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao having stepped up in his absence, the question raised is: should Ramos return to the starting line-up against the Blues at Stamford Bridge?
Nacho and Militao were solid in defense in both games against Liverpool, while Zidane’s back three following Raphael Varane’s return to action worked well against Chelsea. In fact, Real Madrid’s defense has been more than reliable of late, having conceded only one goal in the last five games. Zidane will assess Ramos’ condition in the next few training sessions and decide whether his center-back is ready to return to the starting XI. While on international duty, Luis Enrique replaced Ramos at half time of Spain’s game against Greece and did not start him in any of the last two games, before the player picked up an injury in a warm-down exercise that has sidelined him since. In fact, Ramos has played just three games so far in 2021 and that’s precisely what worries Zidane.
Carvajal injured once again
The 29-year-old has suffered a substantial muscle injury, which most likely occurred during Los Blancos’ 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Tuesday night. Carvajal missed training on Thursday morning, and tests have confirmed a muscle tear. The Real Madrid players were given the day off on Wednesday, yet the image of Carvajal shaking his head and saying “no” as he made his way off against Chelsea – he was replaced by Alvaro Odriozola in the 77th minute – shows that he knew that there was a problem.