Carlo Ancelotti does not expect to be without Rodrygo for too long after the Real Madrid forward missed training through injury.
Rodrygo scored and impressed in Madrid’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City but missed training on Friday after picking up a knock, leaving fans sweating over his availability for the Champions League quarter-final return leg on Wednesday.
Asked for an update on Rodrygo, Ancelotti confirmed the 23-year-old may even be available for the weekend’s clash with Mallorca.
“Rodrygo suffered a knock yesterday, but will be available [against Mallorca], like the entire squad,” Ancelotti revealed. “The priority is tomorrow, not Manchester. This week we have a lot at stake, but like all teams. We maintain the confidence of a few days ago and, I repeat, tomorrow is vital.”
Ancelotti went on to admit there could be a first start of the season for centre-back Eder Militao, eight months and one day after he tore his ACL.
“I repeat what I said: they are all available and tomorrow I will put in the best team,” Ancelotti vowed. “Militao is also available.”
Asked whether a start against Mallorca or City could be too much of a rush for Militao, Ancelotti continued: “It’s a thought that we have in our heads and we have to think about, of course, but Eder has worked hard and is physically fine.
“If I see a healthy player, I don’t think about the minutes he has spent or the time he has accumulated in training. I played [Sami] Khedira, who was coming off an injury, in a Champions League final and I did it because I saw he was healthy at that moment.
“Obviously, [Militao] can’t play 90 minutes, that’s complicated, but he can last a good part of the game.”
