Real Madrid Boosted by Key Returns Ahead of Crucial Madrid Derby Clash

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 20: Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe players of Real Madrid in action during training at Ciudad Real Madrid on March 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Real Madrid continued their preparations for Sunday’s Madrid derby with another training session at Valdebebas, as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side edges closer to a crucial LaLiga clash against Atlético at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The session began indoors, with the players working in the gym before moving out onto the pitch. Once outside, the focus shifted to ball work, starting with rondos and progressing into possession-based drills. The team then worked through tactical sequences and set-piece routines before wrapping up with a full-pitch practice match.

While the overall tone around the squad is improving, Madrid are still dealing with a handful of absences. Thibaut Courtois, Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, and Rodrygo all remain sidelined as they continue their respective recovery processes. Courtois, in particular, will miss the derby due to a muscle injury in his right quadriceps.

That said, the injury situation is noticeably easing compared to recent weeks. Several players carrying minor knocks have returned to full availability, giving the coaching staff a much-needed boost in depth. The headline positive is Jude Bellingham’s return to full training.