Real Madrid have received a massive injury boost ahead of next Sunday’s eagerly-anticipated El Clasico as Trent Alexander-Arnold edges closer to full fitness, Mundo Deportivo reports.
The England international has been out since he picked up a muscle injury during Madrid’s clash with French giants Olympique Marseille in mid-September.
Alexander-Arnold only lasted five minutes into the Champions League encounter before he was replaced by Madrid captain Dani Carvajal.
Los Blancos went on to win 2-1, coming from behind to kick off the Champions League campaign with a victory thanks to a brace of penalties from Kylian Mbappe.
Madrid have been without Alexander-Arnold since, but the 27-year-old took part in the recent group training session at Valdebebas, sparking hopes of his imminent return.
Alexander-Arnold was initially expected to be out for up to eight weeks, but he has made spectacular progress in his recovery and could return sooner than expected.
Wednesday’s Champions League clash against floundering Serie A giants Juventus at Santiago Bernabeu might come too soon for Alexander-Arnold.
However, if everything goes according to plan, Alexander-Arnold could be fit in time to feature in Xabi Alonso’s squad for this weekend’s blockbuster showdown at the Bernabeu.
Alexander-Arnold’s potential availability would be a huge boost for Alonso who is expected to be without a few first team stars for the Barca clash.
Carvajal is in a race against time, although he’s expected to be out of the game.
Dani Ceballos and Dean Huijsen are also in doubt, and the same can be said for David Alaba, who will undergo medical tests tomorrow.
Madrid’s preparation for Juventus started immediately after grinding out a narrow 1-0 win against nine-man Getafe.
The starting XI from that game completed recovery work in the gym, while the rest of the players trained on the pitch.
There was more positive news on the injury front as Ferland Mendy returned to full training to further boost Alonso’s options in defence.
Madrid will be keen to maintain their perfect start to the Champions League campaign when they take on Juventus and carry a four-match winning streak into next weekend’s El Clasico.