Konaté returns to Real Madrid training ahead of Villarreal match

Konaté has returned to training with Real Madrid ahead of the match against Villarreal. After leaving the France squad during the international break with a muscular problem, Ibrahima Konaté rejoined his club teammates. On Tuesday, he trained normally at Valdebebas and completed the session without apparent problems. His return gives him a chance of making the squad to face Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday, though his involvement is not certain.

Real Madrid must also monitor Valverde’s condition. He was absent from the club footage and stayed in Madrid during the international break after suffering an ankle sprain in the derby. On Tuesday, he worked in the gym as the club continued to assess him. He has not been ruled out of the Villarreal match, but his availability will depend on how he progresses over the next few days.

The club is therefore keeping tabs on two players ahead of the fixture, with Konaté further along in his recovery after completing a normal session. His return to full training is the clearest positive sign, while Militão is moving closer to a return to competitive action. With La Liga set to resume, Real Madrid still has several fitness decisions to make. The condition of all three players remains under review before Saturday’s match, but Konaté’s return to normal training offers the strongest indication that he could be involved.