Real Madrid duo unlikely to return from injury against Elche – report | OneFootball

With the final international break of 2025 almost done and dusted, Real Madrid are back preparing for their upcoming La Liga game against Elche.

The Merengues, after failing to win their previous two matches against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano, will be eager to get things back on track.

Ahead of their trip to eastern Spain, Xabi Alonso has some positive injury updates as the trio of Kylian Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dean Huijsen are all expected to be available despite returning early from national team duty due to fitness concerns.

Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois, sidelined with injuries right before the international break, are also expected to be available.

No Rudiger and Tchouameni

However, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid are unlikely to recover the duo of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni in time to face Elche.

Both Rudiger and Tchouameni have resumed working with the ball on the pitch, but the game against Elche on 23 November could come too early for the pair.

Unlikely to return vs Elche. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Rudiger has been out since the early stages of the season and while his recovery has progressed well, the German international does not wish to take any risks, considering his fitness problems this year.

As such, the game against Elche is seen as too early for him to return. Furthermore, the report states that the veteran might still need one or two weeks of training with the group to be fully ready to play again.

As for Tchouameni, the game vs Elche will come before the end of his stipulated three-week recovery time.

So, even the two players could be seen training on the pitch with the ball today, their return is unlikely to take place against Elche. The match against Olympiacos or Girona might be when one or both of the Real Madrid stars make their comeback.