Real Madrid fitness update: Valverde a doubt for Villarreal as Mbappe returns

Real Madrid have trained with their international players ahead of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu, but Federico Valverde remains a major doubt for the match.

Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella worked away from the main group during Thursday morning’s session and are not expected to join their team-mates until Friday, according to Marca.

The main fitness concern remains Valverde, who is continuing to train indoors after suffering a grade-three ankle sprain during the Madrid derby on 20 September.

The Uruguay international has not been ruled out of the league fixture against Villarreal, but his involvement appears unlikely because he has yet to resume training with the rest of the squad. The severity of the injury means Real Madrid are expected to avoid taking unnecessary risks with the midfielder.

However, there are indications that Valverde should be fit to face Roma in the Champions League next Wednesday if he is not ready to return against Villarreal.

Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo are continuing with their recovery programmes and remain confirmed absentees for the time being.

Real Madrid did receive more positive news with the return of Kylian Mbappe. The forward sustained an injury in France’s opening match during the international break, but is now available for La Liga selection after completing most of his rehabilitation in Paris with the club’s approval.

Ibrahima Konate has also recovered from the lateral ligament injury he suffered while playing for France at the end of September and is available to return.

Saturday’s match at Santiago Bernabeu will be Real Madrid’s eighth game of the La Liga season.