Modric to return to training on Wednesday
The Croatian is likely to be left out for the European Supercup final. But his omisson him will have nothing to do with rumours circulating about his future over the past few days.
Luka Modric will finally return to training on Wednesday, as was scheduled after his participation in the World Cup final with Croatia on 15 July. In the past few days, there had been some confusion among members of the club in the United States, who believed that he would return this Sunday, 5 August. But that was never the plan of the player or the coach.
The Croatian, who turns 33 in September, was left exhausted after a demanding World Cup, in which he participated in all 7 games, three of which went to extra time. That is why he has been almost completely ruled out for the European Supercup against Atletico Madrid on 15 August. Julen Lopetegui is aware of the long season that is ahead of his star midfielder and wants him back at 100 percent, rather than overexerting him to play against Atletico.
The decision to leave him out of the game on 15 August, therefore, would have been made some weeks ago and has nothing to do with the rumours about his future that have been circulating over the last few days. Real Madrid’s plan from the outset was that his international teammate Mateo Kovacic would return to training this Sunday, while Modric would have an extra few days to rest.
Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Modric will get a call up for the game against Atletico as he will have barely completed one week of training. But the Croatian's absence from the first competitive fixture of the season is something that will not overly worry Lopetegui, who has been delighted with the performance of his stand-in, Dani Ceballos, so far this preseason.
