Luka Modric returns to Real Madrid first team training

Luka Modric returned to first team training today during a condensed session that followed Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Modric has been missing from the squad ever since the Croatia international picked up a hip injury during his country’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy in mid-November. The prognosis at the time was for the midfielder to be sidelined between three to four months.

Real Madrid’s performances since the start of the New Year have be less convincing than they were during the first half of the season. Modric’s return to training will come as welcome news to the club’s supporters.

While resuming first team workouts can be taken as a good sign, Madrid are still likely to be extra cautious in their handling the influential playmaker.

Today’s session was a gentle recovery workout with only ten members of the first team squad participating. The players who participated in the 2-0 victory over Schalke 04 trained separately in the club’s gymnasium at Valdebebas. The final portion of the practice session was a five-a-side game, which Modric did not take part in.

Expect an update on Modric’s status during Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference prior to Real Madrid’s next match against Elche on Sunday.

Programming note: Elche vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 2:55pm EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.