Real Madrid defensive duo resume group training; decision on call-up vs Rayo Vallecano tomorrow | OneFootball

Following their 4-2 loss to SL Benfica on Wednesday, Real Madrid players trained for the first time today, with an eye on their upcoming La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano.

Los Blancos host the 16th-placed team at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon and could be in for a hostile reception from the fans after the debacle in Lisbon.

But there was some good news for coach Alvaro Arbeloa heading into the contest on Sunday.

Rudiger, Trent back in group training

Injured defenders Antonio Rudiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold did a part of the training with the rest of the group today, reports Melchor Ruiz of COPE.

Both the players were involved in a part of the group training session earlier today which is a good sign heading into Sunday’s contest.

However, a final decision on whether to call them up for the game against Rayo Vallecano will be made tomorrow, after the final training session.

Closing in on a return. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Trent has been out of action since early December due to a muscle tear and has gone on to miss 13 matches across all competitions. He had already been out of action for a stretch of games prior to that.

With Dani Carvajal also only recently returning from injury and not at 100%, Federico Valverde has been asked to fill in at right-back.

As for Rudiger, he has missed the last five matches in all competitions due to a knee problem he seemed to have picked up during the Spanish Super Cup.

With Dean Huijsen’s form taking a nosedive and Raul Asencio also playing through pain, the defensive unit has been vulnerable. As such, the veteran defender’s return, should it happen against Rayo, will be a welcome boost.