Real Madrid handed huge double boost in Champions League bid

Antonio Rüdiger and Thibaut Courtois are set to return for Real Madrid’s Champions League derby against Atlético Madrid this Wednesday (March 12). The duo were seen training at Valdebebas while their teammates who played yesterday against Rayo Vallecano had a lighter session.

Rüdiger and Courtois ready to face Atlético Madrid

Rüdiger had been suffering from the flu since Friday. The German international, a key player in Ancelotti’s lineup, will team up with Raúl Asensio in central defense, a partnership that has become more and more solid with each passing game.

Courtois, meanwhile, was given a rest against Rayo to recover from a knee issue that has been bothering him for a couple of weeks. The Belgian is, however, expected to available to play against his former team.

Real Madrid injury update: Valverde, Vinicius, Bellingham, Rodrygo

Fede Valverde, who played a the final 22 minutes against Rayo, will return to Real Madrid the starting lineup at right-back, a position he has occupied in recent games, including the last three European matches (the entire tie against City and the first leg against Atlético). The Uruguayan will replace Lucas Vázquez, who had himself been deputizing for the injured Dani Carvajal.

Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, who ended the weekend victory with various bumps and bruises, did some indoor work and focused on recovery, along with the other starters in the Rayo match. None of the three are at risk of missing the game against Atlético.

Original article written by Agustín Martín, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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