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Three key players for RM are all recovering from injury, here's a quick status update on each.
- Xabi Alonso- Xabi has finally returned to training with the squad after he suffered a metatarsal injury in August which was on the heels of a groin injury procedure. Xabi will most likely be back in a couple of weeks should the club take its time in getting him back. His take on the matter: "It is taking longer than expected but every time [out on the pitch] I'm closer."
- Raphael Varane - the French defensive phenom is back and training with the squad once more. After sustaining a knee injury last season, Varane has recovered quickly and played two games with the national team recently before sitting out against Malaga. He exercised at regular tempo and should feature in the match against Juventus on Wednesday.
- Karim Benzema - Benzema picked up a slight calf bruise in training prior to the Malaga match and had to sit it out as youngster Alvaro Morata filled in. The day off gave Benz ample time to recover and he will most likely get the starting nod against Juventus and Barca this week. With Madrid only carrying two true strikers, his return from injury was critical.
The club didn't waste any time in getting back to training following the Malaga match. Nine players who featured against Malaga trained at a lower intensity to preserve energy, while Sergio Ramos, Diego Lopez and Benzema worked inside the club's facilities. The second group of players who did not see the pitch against Malaga included Varane and trained at a higher intensity with the new Champions League ball. Alonso trained separately for a while but also saw some field time while Fabio Coentrao returned after spending a night in the hospital due to a wisdom tooth issue.
What's incredible is that this marked the first time this season that the whole squad was able to train together with relative health. With a tough week in store and the league race potentially tightening up, any reinforcements to the squad will be welcomed with open arms.