Rüdiger returns for Mestalla trip as Trent boosts Madrid options | OneFootball

Rüdiger returns to Real Madrid’s squad for tonight’s trip to Mestalla, ending 31 days out with a knee issue. Ferland Mendy stays behind, and Valencia vs Real Madrid kicks off at 21:00.

Dani Carvajal is available after a personalised programme, with the club feeling he can now play longer spells. David Alaba is also included after starting the week with flu. According to AS, Trent is back from the quadriceps injury suffered on four December and is in contention to start, which would allow Federico Valverde to move back into midfield.

Vinicius, Bellingham and Rodrygo do not travel, suspended, injured and injured. Madrid have never been without the five and seven at the same time and tonight will be the first. Mbappé, on 37 of the club’s 77 goals, will look for support from Brahim and Mastantuono.

Three academy players make the list. With Fran González tied to Castilla’s game in Pontevedra, Sergio Mestre is the third goalkeeper. Right back David Jiménez and midfielder Cestero also travel, the former offering cover amid lingering doubts over Trent and Carvajal, the latter a cerebral pivot and Castilla’s most used player this season.

Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin head the goalkeeping group, with Camavinga, Tchouameni, Arda Güler and Dani Ceballos in midfield. Mendy’s hamstring is close but not yet there, and he will try to make Real Sociedad away on Saturday at 21:00.

Source: AS