Vázquez makes injury progress with return to light training
The Real Madrid forward is making encouraging progress from his calf injury after taking part in a ball session away from the squad on Thursday. Kovacic remains sidelined however.
Lucas Vazquez took part in light training on a foggy Thursday morning at Real Madrid’s Valdebedas base. The forward – who is injured with a tear in his right calf muscle – was able to run and do ball work, however was kept separate from the squad’s main session following the 3-0 home win over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Encouraging progress
Vazquez’s progress in his recuperation is pleasing news for Real Madrid. The player was ruled out for most of January after returning from the Club World Cup in Japan last month with the problem. Madrid’s other New Year casualty Mateo Kovavcic didn’t train though as he continues to recover from a sprained ankle.
Ramos suspended
Los Blancos will be without both Vazquez and Kovacic as well as the other injured duo Gareth Bale and Pepe for the side’s first LaLiga fixture of 2017 against Granada on Saturday (Bernabeu, 13:00). Captain Sergio Ramos will also be absent from the game through suspension.