Zubeldia returns and is in the frame for Real’s Europa League tie

Igor Zubeldia rejoined the group this Tuesday at Zubieta as Real held their second weekly session. The club said the central defender trained normally, which puts him in the mix to be ready for the Europa League game against Bournemouth on Thursday, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Back with options

The timing is a big deal given the squad situation at full-back: Jon Mikel Aramburu is suspended. Hector Fort looks set to cover the role, but the newspaper points out that Zubeldia could also be used. His case is that he has been the second most-used player this season in that position, and Real may turn to him as needed because the Catalan signing has had less playing time.

Squad picture for Europe

Mundo Deportivo also says that Unai Valverde has had access to almost the full squad at José Luis Orbegozo, with the only absentee being Álvaro Odriozola, out injured and already working separately while touching the ball. Pablo Marín trained again and is building momentum to feature in Thursday’s squad.

The session also included Beñat Turrientes, who was carrying a knock, and Carlos Soler, who came off Sunday’s match not fully at 100%. The reserve group members who played in Andorra were given a rest, so it remains to be seen if they will be able to join as additional options for the first European squad list tomorrow. By contrast, Marchal and Beitia were not in that group of absentees and did train. Folgado is with the U-21s in England, and the third goalkeeper on the day was Lander Olasagasti.