Real Madrid continued their preparations for Sunday’s Madrid derby with another training session at Valdebebas, as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side edges closer to a crucial LaLiga clash against Atlético at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The session began indoors, with the players working in the gym before moving out onto the pitch. Once outside, the focus shifted to ball work, starting with rondos and progressing into possession-based drills. The team then worked through tactical sequences and set-piece routines before wrapping
up with a full-pitch practice match.
While the overall tone around the squad is improving, Madrid are still dealing with a handful of absences. Thibaut Courtois, Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, and Rodrygo all remain sidelined as they continue their respective recovery processes. Courtois, in particular, will miss the derby due to a muscle injury in his right quadriceps.
That said, the injury situation is noticeably easing compared to recent weeks. Several players carrying minor knocks have returned to full availability, giving the coaching staff a much-needed boost in depth.
The headline positive is Jude Bellingham’s return to full training. The Englishman completed the entire session without issues for the first time since suffering a left hamstring injury. He is expected to be included in the squad, although a place in the starting XI appears unlikely. Even so, his return comes at an ideal time, with the international break looming.
Kylian Mbappé, meanwhile, looks set to play a central role in the derby. After concerns over a knee sprain, the Frenchman trained at full intensity and is now considered fully fit. His place in the starting lineup is all but certain, and his condition has reportedly improved further following the trip to Manchester.
There is also encouraging news in defense. David Alaba, Raúl Asencio, and Carreras have all returned to training and are expected to be available. Carreras, in particular, is pushing for a starting spot after recovering from a heavy knock, while Alaba and Asencio provide additional depth at the back. Their returns significantly reinforce a defensive unit that has been stretched thin in recent matches.
In total, Álvaro Arbeloa — overseeing preparations — now has 19 first-team players available, a stark contrast to the depleted squad that faced Elche just a week ago. This improved availability also impacts Castilla, with fewer reinforcements expected for their upcoming fixture against Zamora. While some fringe players may still move between squads, the reliance on academy call-ups is expected to decrease.
Barring any last-minute setbacks, Real Madrid will head into the derby with five confirmed absentees but renewed optimism. After a period of heavy injury congestion, the squad is finally regaining balance — and just in time for one of the most important matches of the season.
