Real Madrid defender on track to start vs Valencia after two months out injured | OneFootball

Real Madrid will fly to Mestalla this Sunday as they take on Valencia in a crucial La Liga encounter, hoping to stay in touch with leaders FC Barcelona.

Leading up to the match, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has greeted mixed news on the injury front, with one player primed to return, while question marks linger over a few others.

Trent Alexander-Arnold ready

Indeed, according to AS, Real Madrid will recover summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold for the trip to Valencia.

In fact, the England international is on track to start at right-back against Los Che this Sunday, having stepped up his training and preparation in recent days.

Trent has been out of action since early December after suffering a muscle tear during the game against Athletic Club.

The 27-year-old defender, whose first season at Real Madrid has been one to forget so far because of fitness problems, has been working with the rest of the group over the past week.

Ready for his comeback. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In fact, there had been expectations that he could make his return to the squad against Rayo Vallecano, but Alvaro Arbeloa opted not to take any risks.

However, Trent is now fully ready to return after two months out and could even make his comeback as a starter against Valencia, freeing up Federico Valverde to move back to midfield.

Rudiger still not there

On the negative side, though, Antonio Rudiger remains on a highly individualised recovery programme.

Between Friday’s session and Saturday’s training, the coaching staff will decide whether his chances of making the squad are realistic or whether his return will have to wait until the game against Real Sociedad next week.

Meanwhile, David Alaba did not train today due to flu, while Rodrygo also worked indoors. Jude Bellingham is out for at least a month after injuring his hamstring against Rayo.