Carlo Ancelotti: 'Luka Jovic could feature against Villarreal'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that Luka Jovic is in contention to face Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.

The Serbia international has only scored once in 16 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2021-22 campaign, while he missed two league matches earlier this year through COVID-19.

Jovic has been a substitute in Real Madrid's last two La Liga games, with Ancelotti claiming that the striker has not been fit enough to start after struggling with the illness.

However, the 24-year-old is now "much better" and is in contention to play from the start against Villarreal, with Karim Benzema missing once again due to a muscular problem.

"He's much better, he's recovered after being out with Covid. He came on against Granada did what was expected of him. He has a chance of playing tomorrow, it will depend on whether we need a striker or player who can keep possession of the ball," Ancelotti told reporters.

Jovic has largely struggled to make his mark for Los Blancos since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2019, managing just three goals and four assists in 48 outings in all competitions.