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Dani Ceballos has returned to the Real Madrid squad just in time for their crucial encounters against Alavés in LaLiga and Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. The midfielder has made an earlier-than-expected comeback after a lengthy injury layoff.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ceballos picked up a hamstring injury on February 26 while playing against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey. Though the 28-year-old was expected to remain on the sidelines for up to eight weeks, his recovery progressed faster than expected. After clearing his final fitness tests on Thursday, the Spain international was deemed fit to return to action by the medical staff, handing Carlo Ancelotti a timely boost in midfield. Ceballos made it to the matchday squad for his team’s 1-0 victory over Alavés on Sunday, yet he did not play as the coach plans to ease him back into action by introducing him as a substitute before slowly increasing his game time.
WHY HIS RETURN MATTERS
Before his injury, Ceballos had become a key player for Ancelotti, given his ability to control the tempo of a game. Real Madrid may have managed back-to-back victories over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and progressed in the Copa del Rey in the player’s absence, but they have struggled to keep up in the league. Ceballos’ return could help arrest the dip in performance levels as Real Madrid prepare for the business end of the campaign. The Spanish giants are still four points behind Barcelona in LaLiga and need to overturn a three-goal deficit against Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash, making this the perfect time for Ancelotti to have the 28-year-old back because of a severe lack of depth in his midfield options.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Real Madrid must overturn a three-goal deficit when they host Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday before hosting Celta Vigo in LaLiga at the weekend.
