Real Madrid
Real Madrid handed huge injury boost before league return
Real Madrid are in luck: not a single player was injured during the international break.
Not a single injury: it feels like a pre-Christmas miracle. Real Madrid is taking it with a bit of irony, but deep down, there’s a collective sigh of relief ahead of the game against Leganés (Sunday November 24, with kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT.).
The situation had become critical just before the break: Militão, Lucas Vázquez, and Rodrygo all went down in one afternoon, adding to the absences of Courtois and Tchouaméni. This was more than just a problem—it was a crisis. With eight international players and 16 matches ahead, things could have gotten worse. Fingers were crossed, hoping for no more injuries. And there weren’t any. A bullet was dodged after a few knocks on wood. But the main feeling is simple: relief.
Rüdiger rested in the second game (Germany secured first place by thrashing Bosnia 7-0), and Camavinga did the same (he was on a yellow card and got another in the first game).
For Bellingham, the situation is similar but due to suspension (he’s suspended for the first game of the next break in March; if called up, he’ll only play in the second game). This time, he played all 180 minutes, almost like Modric (168′) and Brahim (126′ and 5 goals). All are back in Madrid and trained this morning without any issues.
Real Madrid an emotional rollercoaster for Güler
On the emotional front, there’s Güler. This break was a step forward in leadership for him, but a tough setback in sport: Turkey lost to Montenegro, which had nothing to play for (3-1), and missed out on promotion to Nations League A. A disastrous outcome.
The country has praised the Real Madrid player, who voluntarily stepped up to face the media after the defeat. He’s back to playing, getting into rhythm, and showing he has much more to offer than his 17 minutes in the last five games for Madrid. But the national setback will linger back home. At least, physically, he’s fine.
Madrid awaiting two key players
Only two players are somewhat affected: Valverde and Vinicius. The delicate area of this international break. Both played all 180 minutes in two demanding matches. Colombia (a 3-2 win) and Venezuela (a tough 1-1 draw). They faced each other in the second game, which ended in a draw (1-1) and a hug, but with a significant load of minutes.
They are the only players yet to return to Valdebebas; they are currently flying and will land this afternoon. Real Madrid will train on Thursday, and they are expected to be there. Their physical condition will be monitored. According to them and their federations, they are tired but nothing more. They are expected to play in against Leganés at Butarque.
The medical room, which was busy at times, is now empty after the break. Three players are definitely out for Butarque: Lucas Vázquez (recovering well, but needs at least another week), Tchouaméni (a bit more time, about two weeks), and Rodrygo (already touching the ball, pushing for a return at Anfield, but won’t play in Leganés). Another key player, Courtois, is also back to full fitness: he’s been training normally for days, fully recovered. Ancelotti is preparing for Sunday’s game with this outlook.
Original article written by Sergio López, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Joe Brennan.