Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos to return from calf injury against Real Betis

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has returned to full fitness after recovering from a calf injury and could start against Real Betis on 24 January. The player's return will lend a boost to Zinedine Zidane.

A statement on Real's official website said Ramos came through an indoor training session unscathed on 20 January. The Spain centre-back suffered a knock during Madrid's 5-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna on 9 January.

He was assessed by the club's medical staff and was found to have injured his calf muscle. The injury forced the 29 year old to sit out Real Madrid's 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon last weekend.

"Ramos felt a slight niggle, I don't think it is anything important, we will see tomorrow with the scan," Zidane told the club's official website after the Deportivo match. Forward Cristiano Ronaldo and reserve goalkeeper Kiko Casilla also trained indoors on 20 January but are expected to be available for the trip to the Benito Villamarin.

Gareth Bale is continuing his recovery from his third calf muscle injury of the season, which is expected to keep him out of action for up to three weeks.

Zidane backing

Meanwhile, former Bolton Wanderers star Ivan Campo has backed Zidane to replicate Pep Guardiola's success at Barcelona. Ex-Barca reserve team head coach Guardiola was appointed the club's first team boss in 2008, with the former Spain international going on to win 14 trophies in four glittering seasons in the Catalan capital.

"The players are going to be much calmer under Zidane," Campo, who made 60 league appearances for Madrid, told IBTimes UK. "It is easier to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo, [Gareth] Bale or Karim Benzema to press the rivals if you are Zidane."

"He did not like to run but he did not understand football without the ball, which is why he was the first one in the pitch giving 100% in order to recover possession as soon as possible.

"He is going to succeed because the Bernabeu support adore him and he knows what is required for success at the club — communication, respect and calmness inside the dressing room," Campo added.