Real Madrid key duo back in training, ready for Atletico Madrid battle | OneFootball

After securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening, Real Madrid will shift their focus to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League battle against neighbours Atletico Madrid.

The reigning European champions will lock horns with their local rivals in the second leg of their Round-of-16 tie at the Metropolitano, having won the first leg 2-1 at home.

Leading up to the game against Diego Simeone’s side, the Merengues have been greeted by some positive news.

Courtois, Rudiger back in training

Indeed, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, key duo Antonio Rudiger and Thibaut Courtois have returned to training today, providing Real Madrid a major boost ahead of their game against Atletico Madrid.

Ready for the derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Both Rudiger and Courtois did not play on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano. The German defender was sidelined with an illness while the Belgian shot-stopper was rested as he was dealing with some muscular discomfort.

However, it was always expected that the pair would be ready and available for Wednesday’s clash against Atletico.

And that is how things are seeming to be shaping up, with the key veteran duo rejoining training today to prepare for the Euroderbi on Wednesday night.

Last evening’s game saw three other Real Madrid players – Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo Goes – pick up minor knocks but all of them are expected to be fit and available to face Atleti later this week.

It would mean that only Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Jesus Vallejo will miss the derby at the Metropolitano through injuries.