Real Madrid will be aiming to bounce back from Sunday’s disappointing result against Real Sociedad when they take on Valencia on Thursday in La Liga.

Los Blancos could be eight points behind league leaders Barcelona by the time they kick off against managerless Los Che, so victory will be crucial. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will want an improved performance from last weekend, and he will have an increased pool of players to choose from.

Ancelotti has welcomed back Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni into the first team fold. Carvajal has been missing since the Spanish Super Cup final defeat against Barcelona, while Tchouameni last played against Villarreal at the start of January.

Both completed the full training session on Tuesday, and will now be considered for full selection by Ancelotti for the match against Valencia. Nacho Fernandez has deputised at right back in Carvajal’s absence, but he could now make way, although he may be required to cover at left back following confirmation that Ferland Mendy will be out until April with a hamstring injury.

Ancelotti will be pleased to have first team players returning ahead of a busy spell for the club, which will see four competitions being competed for.

Image via Sport

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Jets HC Robert Saleh addresses QB Aaron Rodgers' status for OTAs
Eagles lose veteran OL to injured reserve
Rangers lose two-time All-Star starting pitcher to injury
Lakers make another big change after firing Darvin Ham
Draymond Green predicts LeBron James' next team
Twins place pivotal outfielder on injured list due to knee issue
Lakers' chances of landing Tyronn Lue not considered 'realistic'
Pirates option struggling former No. 1 overall pick to minors
Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo contradict each other on star's injury
Lakers fire HC Darvin Ham after disappointing season
Rangers' Vincent Trocheck downplays second-round showdown with former team
Longtime coach compares Patriots' Drake Maye to two legends
Yankees legend John Sterling shares one regret about retirement decision
NFL media check-in: Who's out, in and staying on TV
ESPN producer gives update on Patrick Beverley snub controversy
Five NFL players with the most to prove after teams declined their fifth-year option
Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
Former 49ers quarterback makes feelings on Brock Purdy clear
Bills become latest team to try to fix talented, unproductive wide receiver
Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.