James Rodriguez has returned to full training for Real Madrid to thrust himself into contention for a starting place in Saturday’s FIFA Club World Cup Final.
The Colombian star has been out of action since injuring his calf injury during a La Liga victory over Celta Vigo ten days ago, but
With German international Sami Khedira also fit again after injury and rising star Jese Rodriguez being eased back into action following a long-term lay-off, manager Carlo Ancelotti has the luxury of nearly a full squad at his disposal, with midfield man Luka Modric the only noticeable absentee.
The Bernabeu club are also highly optimistic over the fitness of central defender Sergio Ramos, who limped out of the final stages of Tuesday night’s 4-0 semi-final win over Cruz Azul with a hamstring injury.
Ancelotti downplayed the severity of his vice captain’s problem, saying: “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.
“It’s just fatigue. He should be ok in couple of days and be available for the final.”
The Madrid boss also laughed off concerns that superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo looked below his best in Tuesday’s victory over the Mexican side.
The Portuguese ace unusually failed to score despite a series of opportunities and was visibly irritated by the end of the match, but his manager is unconcerned.
“I’m sure he was saving a goal until the final,” he laughed. “He played very well. He provided assists and he is always very effective, even though he didn’t score.”
It was a convincing performance from the reigning champions, who took an early lead through Ramos’ set-piece header and soon doubled their advantage with a close-range strike from the impressive Karim Benzema.
But Cruz Azul then had a great chance to get themselves back in the game when striker Marione Pavone won a penalty under a tame challenge from Ramos, only for Madrid captain Iker Casillas to preserve his team’s two-goal advantage with a fine save from Gerardo Torrado’s spot-kick.
Ancelotti admitted that save was a turning point in the encounter, saying: “The moment Iker stopped the penalty was key.
“With us leading 2-0 the game seemed finished but if they had scored, they could have got back into it.”
