Real receive fitness boost ahead of derby

Real Madrid have received a boost after injured duo Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale returned to training with the team ahead of this Sunday’s derby against Atletico de Madrid.

The captain has been out for the past couple of weeks with a dislocated shoulder sustained in the win over Shakhtar Donesk in the Champions League. Team mate Gareth Bale was also injured in the same game and was expected to be out for a longer period but joined the rest of the first team squad ahead of the crunch game at the Vicente Calderon.

A statement on the official club website said the duo were back in action.

It read: “The squad went through their paces at Real Madrid City on Thursday as they began their preparations for the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón. Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale trained with the group in a session that saw coach Rafa Benítez include Castilla players Marcos Llorente, Martin Odegaard and Borja Mayoral.”

In more good news for Rafa Benitez, Spanish daily Marca reports Jame Rodriguez could be close to a return and may even be on the bench for the game against Diego Simeone’s side.

The Colombian has been out since the end of August with a thigh problem picked up in the 5-0 win over Real Betis.