Los Blancos are already favorites going into Sunday’s crunch clash, and the return of two key players tips the odds further in their favor.
Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal have recovered from their injuries and are in contention to feature in Real Madrid’s La Liga encounter with FC Barcelona.
Hazard’s first two seasons at Real Madrid were riddled with a variety of fitness issues, and 2021-22 hasn’t been any better in that regard so far.
The Belgium international suffered a muscle overload while representing his nation in the Nations League semi-finals, and is yet to feature for his club since after the international break.
Caravajal, meanwhile, has also struggled to remain fit for an extended period for the last couple of seasons.
The Spanish full-back has missed his side’s last five games due to a calf injury he sustained in the win over Valencia last month.
“We’ve welcomed back Dani Carvajal and Eden Hazard,” Ancelotti informed at his pre-match press conference (via Marca).
“It is difficult to start a player who is just back from injury, but what’s important is that they’re back and could feature.
“All players know they could be important. They know that they can make a difference even if coming off the bench.”
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