Real Madrid is lucky: no player was injured during the international break.
Not a single injury: it feels like a pre-Christmas miracle. Real Madrid is taking it with a bit of irony, but deep down there is a collective sigh of relief ahead of the match against Leganés (Sunday, November 24, with kick-off at 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT).
Just before half-time, the situation had become critical with Militão, Lucas Vázquez and Rodrygo all going down in one afternoon, which was exacerbated by the absence of Courtois and Tchouaméni. This was more than just a problem; it was a crisis. With eight international players and sixteen matches ahead of them, things could have gotten even worse. Fingers were crossed in hopes that no more injuries would occur. And there weren't any. A bullet was dodged after a few hits on wood. But the most important feeling is simple: relief.
Rüdiger rested in the second game (Germany secured first place by beating Bosnia 7–0), and Camavinga did the same (he was yellow carded and received another in the first game).
For Bellingham, the situation is similar, but due to suspension (he is suspended for the first game of the next break in March; if called up, he will only play in the second game). This time he played all 180 minutes, almost like Modric (168′) and Brahim (126′ and 5 goals). They are all back in Madrid and trained this morning without any problems.
Real Madrid an emotional rollercoaster for Güler
On an emotional level, there is Güler. This break was a step forward in leadership for him, but a serious setback in sport: Turkey lost to Montenegro, who had nothing to play for (3-1), and missed out on promotion to Nations League A. A disastrous outcome.
The country has praised the Real Madrid player, who voluntarily faced the media after the defeat. He is playing again, getting into the rhythm and showing that he has much more to offer than his 17 minutes in the last five games for Madrid. But the national setback will linger at home. At least physically he is fine.
Madrid is waiting for two key players
Only two players are somewhat affected by it: Valverde and Vinicius. The delicate area of this international breakthrough. Both played all 180 minutes in two demanding matches. Colombia (a 3-2 win) and Venezuela (a difficult 1-1 draw). They faced each other in the second game, which ended in a draw (1-1) and a hug, but with a significant amount of minutes.
They are the only players who will return to Valdebebas; they are currently flying and will land this afternoon. Real Madrid trains on Thursday and they are expected to be there. Their physical condition will be monitored. According to them and their federations, they are tired, but that's all. They are expected to play Leganés in Butarque.
The sometimes busy medical room is empty after the break. Three players are permanently out for Butarque: Lucas Vázquez (recovering well, but needs at least another week), Tchouaméni (a little more time, about two weeks) and Rodrygo (already on the ball, pushing for a return to Anfield, but playing not in Leganés). Another key player, Courtois, is also fully fit again: he has been training normally for days and has fully recovered. With these prospects, Ancelotti prepares for Sunday's match.
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