Sergio Ramos returns to full training ahead of Madrid derby

Sergio Ramos looks in line to return to action for Real Madrid's crucial match against Atletico Madrid on Saturday (19 November) after the club captain returned to full training. However, there is still a question mark on the availability of Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Pepe and Mateo Kovacic as the quartet continue working in their recoveries away from the rest of their teammates. Toni Kross has already been ruled out.

Ramos is yet to play a game for Real Madrid since suffering a serious knee injury during the last international break while playing with Spain. However, the centre-back has taken advantage of the new break to step up his recovery ahead of returning to action in the first Madrid derby of the season.

Real Madrid have now confirmed the boost for manager Zinedine Zidane after revealing that the captain was able to complete the training session with the rest of the players who are not on international duty on Monday.

"Sergio Ramos trained with the group, whilst Marcelo and Luka Modric made their returns after having been away on international duty," Real Madrid confirmed in the club official website.

Recent reports in Spain suggested that Benzema, Casemiro and Pepe could also return to action against Atletico.

The French striker only missed the last victory over Leganes due to an unspecified injury. Meanwhile, Casemiro has been out of action since September after fracturing his leg while Pepe suffered a muscle injury during the victory over Alaves on 29 October.

But Real Madrid have now put their availability for the derby under doubt after revealing that they are yet to re-join the rest of the group.

"Elsewhere, Karim Benzema, Casemiro and Pepe trained separately from the rest of the squad out on the training pitches," the club confirmed.

Meanwhile, Kovacic's participation against Atletico Madrid is also uncertain after he also failed to take part of the training session on Monday. The Croatian picked up a knock in his ankle during the latest Real Madrid game against Leganes and suffered a recurrence on international duty, being forced off during the game against Islandia before returning to Spain.

Furthermore, Kroos is definitely out for the game after last week Real Madrid revealed he suffered serious foot injury during win over Leganes, which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for more than a month.

"Mateo Kovacic trained indoors, whilst Toni Kroos continued with his recovery work," Real Madrid concluded.