Real Madrid defender expected to be fit and available to face Villarreal | OneFootball

Real Madrid returned to training today with an eye on the weekend’s La Liga fixture against Villarreal, hoping to go to the top of the table.

Coming on the back of a thumping 6-1 victory over AS Monaco, confidence will be high within the camp, although Estadio de La Ceramica has not been an easy venue to visit for the Merengues.

Leading up to the game, though, there is some positive news for manager Alvaro Arbeloa on the fitness front as Rodrygo Goes trained with the team today. Brahim Diaz is also back working with the squad after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Raul Asencio also doing well

Building on that, MARCA reports that Raul Asencio also completed part of the session with the group which comes as a big boost for Real Madrid.

The defender had to be substituted at half-time during the Champions League match against Monaco after suffering a heavy blow to the tibia, where he has a fracture.

Raul Asencio could be ready to face Villarreal. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Asencio has been playing through pain throughout the season, pushing himself to help the team amidst the ongoing defensive woes. However, his substitution against Monaco cast some doubts over his availability for the weekend.

But, the Spanish defender was able to complete part of the training today with the group and his involvement against Villarreal is no longer ruled out.

In fact, the expectation is that Asencio will play, although a final decision regarding him as well as Rodrygo will be taken after Friday’s training session.

Given that Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger still remain unavailable, Asencio’s availability comes as a relief for Alvaro Arbeloa.