Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been boosted by the news that summer signing Asier Illarramendi has been declared fit to return to first-team training.
The Spaniard, who joined the former champions from Real Sociedad in the summer, has not yet made his competitive debut for the club after suffering a succession of injuries in pre-season.
However, the 23-year-old has this week returned to full-contact training, although he is not expected to be considered for selection until after the international break.
It is understood that Ancelotti could ease the midfielder into the side in the latter stages of next month.
