Real Madrid summer signing faces tough competition ahead of return to lineup for derby | OneFootball

Real Madrid lock horns with neighbours Atletico Madrid tomorrow in La Liga aiming to continue on their good run of form.

The game will mark the return to the starting XI for Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe, who is now at 100% fitness and fully ready to play.

Alvaro Carreras also set to return but needs to step up

According to AS, Alvaro Carreras is also expected to start for Real Madrid in the derby this Sunday.

However, the summer signing is fully aware that the competition for the left-back position at Real Madrid has risen significantly in his absence and he will need to step up.

Carreras still retains strong standing within the squad. But Ferland Mendy impressed against Celta Vigo and Manchester City in the first leg, and Fran Garcia delivered an excellent performance at the Etihad Stadium.

Within this context, Carreras returns knowing that he must make his presence felt again, as securing a place in the starting eleven has become more demanding.

Carreras’ absence has only lasted 18 days. On 2 March, against Getafe, he suffered a heavy blow to his left calf. Initially, the issue did not raise concern, but it gradually became more complicated.

Alvaro Carreras will need to up his game. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The pain forced him to miss the first leg against Manchester City and two league matches against Celta Vigo and Elche. He travelled to Manchester for the second leg but was not fit to start.

Over the past two and a half weeks, his time has been focused more on physiotherapy and gym work than on the pitch.

Carreras has completed sessions with the group without any issues, taking part in warm-ups, rondos, physical drills, shooting exercises, and match simulations. Within the club, the message is clear: he is fully fit and ready to start.

Meanwhile, Mendy will be absent due to a hamstring injury in his right leg, although he is expected to return after the international break.

The Frenchman is expected to recover in time for the upcoming tie against Bayern Munich, and his strong displays before injury have reignited debate over the left-back position, particularly for high-level matches.

As such, Carreras may no longer be seen as an automatic starter. If he has not lost that status entirely, it has at least been placed under question. Although he is set to return to the starting line-up, he is aware of the situation.