Real Madrid handed Antonio Rudiger boost for Sevilla clash

Antonio Rudiger has returned to the Real Madrid squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Sevilla at Bernabeu.

The Germany international has not featured for Carlo Ancelotti's side since the start of the month due to a thigh injury which he picked up during the clash with Getafe.

Rudiger has been absent for Real Madrid's last four matches in all competitions, but he has made a timely return to the squad for the clash with Sevilla, and Ancelotti confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the centre-back would be back into the XI.

"He's doing very well and will start. [Aurelien] Tchouameni has done very well but Antonio is coming back and that gives us confidence," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.

Real Madrid will still be missing seven first-team players on Sunday, though, with Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal both unavailable for selection due to suspensions.

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Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Jude Bellingham and Joselu are on the sidelines due to injury problems.

Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano in the league last weekend, but they still sit top of the table, five points ahead of second-placed Barcelona.

"What we have done this season, a solid and motivated team. Sevilla are doing well lately. We need points to take advantage of the lead we have," Ancelotti added during his press conference.

"We don't do the maths, we have a lead that we have to take advantage of. The league is in our hands and every game is very important. The sooner we get to 80 points, the closer we'll be."

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Ancelotti also reserved special praise for Ferland Mendy, who is back in the squad after missing out against Rayo last time out through suspension.

"For me, he's the best full-back in the world. He handles two on one very well. Mendy has a profile that has everything. He's very good at dealing with the opposition," he said.

Jacobo Ramon has again benefited from the defensive absences to be included in the squad, while there is a position in the selection for Alvaro Rodriguez.

The 19-year-old forward made eight appearances for Ancelotti's side last season but has featured just once this term and is yet to play in La Liga during the 2023-24 campaign.

Real Madrid squad vs. Sevilla:

Lunin, Kepa, Pineiro; Nacho, Vazquez, Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy, Jacobo; Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler; Vinicius, Rodrygo, Brahim, Alvaro R