Real Madrid handed fitness boost as star duo return to training ahead of Sociedad clash
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a boost ahead of the return of club football this weekend. The club's fitness concerns have been eased after their star midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham were spotted in training.
Ancelotti was expected to have a selection headache for this weekend's La Liga clash against Real Sociedad away on September 14 due to injury concerns. However, the timely return of their midfield duo of Tchouameni and Bellingham is sure to ease his worries.
Real Madrid fan account MadridXtra posted training pictures on their X account which was met with jubilation by the Los Blancos faithful.
Jude Bellingham was also spotted in training with the first-team squad.
Bellingham has been out of action since the start of the La Liga season while Tchouameni returned from France's camp this month due to injury. This news follows reports by Relevo that defender Eder Militao could also be in line for an early return after his injury setback on international duty.
"The players need rest" - Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti
The case of players being overworked due to the congested fixtures has been widely discussed over the international break as injuries take their toll. The new UEFA Champions League format would add to an already demanding schedule.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had earlier said that the club is likely to give its players holidays during the season to cope with the fixture pile-up.
He said via BBC:
"The players need rest, they need holidays and we are thinking about giving individual holidays to the players during the season. We are thinking about giving in-season breaks, give a week off for a player so he can go and stay with his family.
"Especially international players, who have very little rest because they usually don't get even a day's holiday in international breaks. We are assessing it with the medical staff and the physical preparation," he added.
Real Madrid have had a stuttering start to the 2024-25 La Liga season. After just four matches, they find themselves four points behind their rivals, Barcelona. The Catalan outfit have had a perfect record so far under former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick. The Merengues, on the other hand, have drawn both their matches away from home and won their two games at Santiago Bernabeu.
The season had started well for Carlo Ancelotti's side as they secured their first trophy of the campaign in their very first match. Kylian Mbappe scored on his debut as Real Madrid beat Atalanta 2-0 to win the UEFA Super Cup.
However, their indifferent league form has raised some concerns among the club fans. They will be eager to see their side register their first away win of the season this weekend.