Real Madrid are set to arrive in Rome with Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde available, giving José Mourinho a significant boost ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
Both players started Madrid’s victory over Villarreal, easing earlier concerns about their availability for the trip to face Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo remain sidelined as they continue their recovery programmes.
Mbappé and Valverde Available for Mourinho
The availability of Mbappé and Valverde strengthens Mourinho’s options for his return to the Olimpico, where he will face Roma in the second match of the Champions League league phase.
Both had been injury concerns in the buildup to the fixture, but their involvement from the start against Villarreal offers an encouraging indication for Madrid.
With only Asencio and Rodrygo expected to miss out, Mourinho will have close to a full squad to choose from against his former club.
Real Madrid Begin Preparations for Roma
Madrid’s latest training update outlined a split session following the Villarreal match, with the starters completing recovery work while the remaining players trained on the pitch.
“The team trained at Ciudad Real Madrid to prepare for the second matchday of the Champions League. Mourinho’s team will face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico,” the club said.
“The starters from the victory over Villarreal undertook specific recovery work. The rest of the squad began the session with activation exercises on the pitch.
“The players then carried out possession and ball-circulation exercises, finishing with a series of small-sided games on a reduced pitch. Asencio and Rodrygo continue their respective recovery programmes.”
For Roma, the return of Madrid’s key players adds to the challenge of an already demanding European fixture. Gasperini’s side head into the game following their goalless draw at Como, while Mourinho prepares for an emotional return to the stadium where he led the Giallorossi to Conference League glory.
Source: Real Madrid training update, as quoted in the supplied report.
Leave a Reply