Real Madrid targets return from long-term injury in Copa Del Rey clash next month – report

Real Madrid targets return from long-term injury in Copa Del Rey clash next month – report While Real Madrid have been going through some significant transition phase under Jose Mourinho this season, one player who has been missing from all the action is Rodrygo. The Brazilian international has yet to feature this season due to a long-term injury he incurred last season and was only expected to come back around the end of the year. The forward has taken some key steps in his road to full fitness , but is not quite ready to return to action just yet. Rodrygo eyeing mid December return According to AS (h/t Madrid Zone ), Rodrygo is eyeing a return to the pitch by the middle of December, as he is keen on playing his first match of the season before the turn of the year. Rodrygo was recently seen at the Sau Paulo Grand Prix. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The Brazilian international is particularly eyeing a return on December 16, when Real Madrid are slated to play their first match in the Copa Del Rey this season. Who Real Madrid will face in the first game is yet to be decided. But Rodrygo remains determined to be available for that fixture, as Los Blancos have higher chances of facing a lower league opponent. Can Rodrygo fit into Mourinho’s setup? Real Madrid will, no doubt, welcome the return of Rodrygo, who is an experience operator and can add significant firepower to the offensive unit. Will Mourinho consider Rodrygo a viable first-team option? (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) However, the team is already chock-ful of stars, who are finding their form at the right time. The likes of Yan Diomande and Arda Guler have been on fire in recent weeks, playing a key role in helping Real Madrid secure eight consecutive victories. Slotting Rodrygo into the team, therefore, could be a challenge for Mourinho. It must be noted that the Portuguese tactician already has a major challenge in his hands incorporating out-of-sort Vinicius Jr. back into the La Liga squads. Having Rodrygo back as well could be a boon, but it will require Mourinho to further tinker with a setup that has been working quite well in recent weeks.