Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal

Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session , indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal. The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday. What about Federico Valverde? Now, according to AS , Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates. However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal. Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break. Valverde suffered the ankle injury during the derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team. The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction. What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal. A key player for Mourinho So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho. Valverde is a key player for Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas. With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.