Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos set to return for El Clasico showdown against Barcelona

Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos has shaken off a back problem and is expected to lead his team out against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on 2 April. The 30-year-old picked up the injury while on international duty for Spain and returned to Madrid following the 1-1 draw with Italy.

Ramos took part in training on 29 March but could not complete the full session, sparking fears that he could miss the heavyweight clash with archrivals Barcelona.

However, the Spain international was able to complete a full training session on 30 March, lending a boost to Real coach Zinedine Zidane.

Madrid are 10 points behind La Liga leaders Barca with eight games left, and must win at the Nou Camp to have a realistic chance of catching their great rivals.

'High spirits'

Real have not won at the Nou Camp in over three years, but Ramos told the club's official website that his teammates were gunning for revenge after their 4-0 defeat at home in the reverse fixture in November.

Goals from Andres Iniesta, Neymar and a Luis Suarez double condemned the capital club to a humiliating defeat that proved fatal to the reign of previous manager Rafael Benitez.

"After the bad result in the first Clasico, football gives you the chance for revenge, and on Saturday, we've got the opportunity to play away against a great team like Barcelona," Ramos said.

"We're keen to perform well. The team is on very good form and is in a positive frame of mind to go there and put in a great performance and pick up the three points, which would serve to reduce the gap with them in La Liga.

"We must try to defend well because these games hinge on small details and the team that ends up winning is usually the one that makes the least mistakes," the centre-back added.