Real Madrid have received a major fitness boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, with Fede Valverde expected to be available for selection.
The Uruguayan midfielder had raised concerns after missing training on Sunday due to a thigh strain, sparking doubts over his availability. However, Relevo reports that Valverde is determined to play, having shown significant improvement in recent hours.
With Jude Bellingham suspended, Valverde’s presence is crucial to Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup. The 26-year-old is likely to feature at right-back, a role in which he impressed against Manchester City. Should he be deemed unfit to start, Lucas Vázquez is expected to step in, though concerns remain about his defensive consistency this season, as highlighted by Diario AS.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti still has key decisions to make in midfield, with two of Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, Luka Modrić, or Eduardo Camavinga expected to partner Aurélien Tchouaméni in the starting lineup.
