Key Real Madrid duo could return from injury against Olympiacos or Girona | OneFootball

Real Madrid went into the international break on the back of a disappointing couple of matches – a loss to Liverpool and a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.

It has raised questions over the team’s performance as well as manager Xabi Alonso’s credentials early into his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. The fitness problems sustained by Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois only add to the misery.

Given the situation, Los Blancos could definitely use good news coming their way, and there is some on the horizon.

Rudiger, Tchouameni close to a comeback

Indeed, according to Melchor Ruiz of COPE, Real Madrid could welcome two key players back from injury soon as Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni are close to returning.

In fact, if things go according to plan, both Rudiger and Tchouameni could be available at Alonso’s disposal for the UEFA Champions League game against Olympiacos (26 November) or the subsequent La Liga clash vs Girona (30 November).

Return close. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Rudiger has played only one match this season, having suffered a hamstring injury in early September. Initial reports suggested he could be out for three months, putting his return timeline for December.

However, the veteran German has worked very hard on his recovery and resumed training on the pitch recently. And if things go well, he could be ready for action in the last week of November.

Given Dean Huijsen has been struggling in recent weeks, having Rudiger back will be a big boost for Real Madrid.

As for Tchouameni, he suffered a muscle injury last week, after the Liverpool game, and was ruled out for three weeks.

The midfielder has been a pivotal player for Alonso and the expectation is that the Frenchman will be ready in time for the game against Girona or even earlier vs Olympiacos.