Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is contemplating the re-introduction of Luka Modric into his match day squad on Sunday when his team hosts sixth-place Villarreal.
Modric has been sidelined since November after picking up a hip injury on international duty with Croatia. The playmaker recently returned to full training, with the goal of a steady re-introduction to Ancelotti’s match day squad.
Last week, the manager admitted the Croatia international would once again feature in his lineup beginning in March. It is understood that Ancelotti would ideally like to work Modric back into the team starting with Madrid’s upcoming league fixtures against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao – using those matches as a second ‘preseason’ for the player.
Ancelotti has stated Modric will back to 100% fitness before Real Madrid face-off against Barcelona on March 22nd in this season’s second installment of El Clasico.
“The idea is for him to play before the Barcelona game,” the Real Madrid boss said recently. “For sure he will play before March 22nd and will be ready for the Clasico.”
While fans will be excited to hear that Modric is nearing a return to the starting eleven, club officials don’t feel any need to rush the playmaker back into the starting eleven.
During the Croatian’s absence, Isco has stepped up and flourished in his new role as an all-around midfielder. Since being handed Modric’s responsibilities in November the 22-year-old has become arguably Real Madrid’s most important player – outside of Cristiano Ronaldo.
With Isco performing well and the team grinding out results as of late, Ancelotti is in no rush to shove Modric back into his match day squad.
The player will continue training with the first-team this week before Ancelotti makes his final decision as to whether or not he will dress for Villarreal – after Saturday’s session.
Programming note: Real Madrid vs. Villarreal will be shown LIVE on Sunday starting at 2:55pm EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.
