Speaking ahead of his side’s encounter with Almeria on Sunday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti informed the media he is targeting a March return for midfielder Luka Modric.
The Croatia international returned to first-team training this week after being sidelined since November with a hip injury suffered during his country Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.
Ancelotti has not intention of rushing the creative midfielder back into Real Madrid’s lineup, even though the manager has been dealing with a recent injury crisis and an overall dip in performance from his team.
“He’s feeling good and is very positive,” Ancelotti said when asked about Modric. “On Thursday, he began training with the rest of the squad. Next week will be his first full session.”
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get him back playing in March.”
In all likelihood, Ancelotti is planning to bring the midfielder back into Real Madrid’s lineup gradually. The manager intends to use upcoming league fixtures against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao as a ‘preseason’ for the player who has been sidelined since November 16th.
He would also continue to use the Croatian playmaker as a substitute for Real Madrid’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Schalke 04 on March 10th.
Ancelotti is confident Modric will be ready for this season’s second installment of El Clasico on March 22nd.
“The idea is for him to play before the Barcelona game,” the manager added. “For sure he will play before March 22nd and will be ready for the Clasico.”
Programming note: Elche vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 2:55pm EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.
