Sergio Ramos and Marcelo are expected to return to Real Madrid’s starting eleven for the crucial game against Valencia. Los Blancos need to win the last match of the year if they want to be in with a shout of getting past Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The Competition Committee accepted Los Blancos’ appeal regarding the first yellow card Ramos was shown against Osasuna, agreeing that the video shows the Andalucian “had not brought down his opponent.”
The Committee argued “there was no contact”, therefore recognising the referee’s mistake. However, they did support the ref’s decision to show Ramos the second yellow card for elbowing Roberto Torres and they have fined Los Merengues with 180 euros over the incident.
Thus, Carlo Ancelotti will be able to line-up the Spanish international on Sunday. The Italian is slowly recovering all his starting defenders, as Marcelo is also expected to make a return from his recent muscle problems.
The Brazilian was already available for this week’s Copa del Rey clash against Olimpic Xativa, but Ancelotti decided to rest him for a better recovery.
Central-defender Raphael Varane is still on the sidelines recovering from his knee problems and is expected to get back to playing in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo will also return to action after missing one game due to suspension. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale is a doubt for the coach with a contusion in his calf muscle.
