Real Madrid: Isco, Modric for derby against Atlético, Kovacic returns

Zinedine Zidane has received good news in the lead-up to the first Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Isco and Modrid fit for Wanda

Isco and Luka Modric are both training with the main group following their return from international duty and will be available to face Diego Simeone’s outfit. Isco hobbled off during the second half of Spain’s comfortable victory over Costa Rica in Málaga after receiving a knock to his thigh. The 25-year-old appears to have shaken off that problem, while Modric emerged unscathed from the international break after securing Croatia’s passage to the World Cup with a pedestrian play-off defeat of Greece.

Modric’s compatriot Mateo Kovacic has also returned to the fold at Valdebebas. The former-Inter Milan midfielder has not trained with the group since picking up an adductor injury in the Champions League victory over APOEL on 13 September. Kovacic began the session with his team-mates, and ended it with individual exercises on the turf. He is unlikely to feature against Atlético Madrid, but his recuperative progress is pleasing for Real Madrid.

Dani Carvajal could, however, feature on Saturday. The full-back has recovered from a pericardium infection despite initial fears that the illness could threaten his career.

Keylor Navas stays on the sideline

The good news does not extend to the goalkeeping position. Keylor Navas is still in the process of recovering from an adductor injury. It is highly unlikely that the Costa Rican will feature at the weekend, given that he continues to train alone.

Gareth Bale and Luca Zidane are confined to the treatment room. Tejero, Óscar, and Reguilón stepped up from Castilla to take part in training on Wednesday, while Juvenil A ‘keepers Moha and Darío also participated.