Dani Ceballos is set to make his long-awaited return to action as Real Madrid prepare for a crucial week in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who has missed the last 10 matches after picking up an injury in late February, has been declared fully fit by Carlo Ancelotti and is in contention to face Alaves on Sunday.
Ceballos had begun to carve out a key role in Real’s midfield this season and will be a welcome boost as the Spanish giants aim to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against former club Arsenal in Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu.
Despite requesting a reschedule to allow more rest ahead of the midweek clash, Real’s appeal was denied. Ancelotti expressed his frustration, saying:
“We don’t understand it, but it is what it is. There are more than 72 hours of rest, so we can’t complain.”
Ancelotti, however, isn’t giving up hope of a dramatic European turnaround.
“We’re going to try again. Until the last minute and the last ball. That starts tomorrow.”
Ceballos will likely be eased in on Sunday, but assuming no setbacks, he’s expected to play a role in Real’s fight to keep their Champions League dreams alive.