COPA DEL REY
Luka Modric back in training: will he be fit to play for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna?
Last week, the Croat was originally ruled out for two weeks with the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City also coming up.
Real Madrid have been handed a huge potential fitness boost by Luka Modric’s return to training ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna, which will take place on Saturday. And the Croat’s seemingly miraculous recovery from a hamstring issue could be doubly significant with the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City coming up three days later.
It was reported last week, on Friday 28 April to be precise, that Modric had been forced to sit out training because of a hamstring tear and that he would be out for “two weeks”. Had that initial timeframe been accurate, there would been no chance of him featuring in the final in Seville and even the European clash against City would have come too soon.
Madrid’s Modric miracle
However, following reports of the Croatia captain going to visit a ‘miracle doctor’ in Belgrade in an effort to speed up his return, he was pictured in training with the rest of his teammates on Thursday and took part in most of the session as normal. Maybe miracles do happen.
Los Blancos have one eye on Manchester City
That said, although there is now a much higher possibility of Modric taking to the field against Osasuna, further tests on Friday will ultimately determine whether he is involved. Club doctors, along with boss Carlo Ancelotti and the player himself will make the decision together but the green light will only be given if they reach the conclusion that there is no real risk of an immediate relapse. A hugely important factor with Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola and City only a matter of days away.
Alaba fit, Mendy the only confirmed absentee
In even more good news for Ancelotti, defender David Alaba, who hasn’t featured since the Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea, is a step ahead of Modric in his recovery from a calf problem and will be available for selection against Osasuna. That leaves left-back Ferland Mendy, who is back in light training, as the only absentee, provided Modric is ultimately passed fit.