Luka Modrić will be ready for the big Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid on 19 November as he is recovering faster than expected, reported Spanish sports newspaper AS on Tuesday.
“Modrić is in the final part of his recovery and if there is no unexpected deterioration, he will return before the match with Atletico on November 19,” reported AS and Index.hr. “On Monday he stepped up the pace on the lawn and the next day he could join his teammates.”
On 2 October, Modrić’s left knee was operated on after an injury sustained on 19 September in a match against Espanyol.
Just last week, Croatian coach Ante Čačić said the 31-year-old captain could be a part of the Croatian National Football team’s World Cup qualifying match against Iceland on 12 November, but Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is determined that Modrić will not play for club or country until the Madrid medical team have given him their approval.
“I’m not going to comment on Čačić’s words. I have information from my medics and [Modrić] still isn’t with the team,” said Zidane last week.
Looks like we’ll be seeing Modrić back on the pitch in a few weeks nonetheless, even if it isn’t in the famous red and white checks.
