Carreras, Asencio back in training as Real Madrid eye Atletico derby

After weeks of juggling injuries, coach Alvaro Arbeloa finally has more options at his disposal. 

The biggest positives from the latest session were the full-group returns of Alvaro Carreras and Raul Asencio. Both trained normally, offering some relief to a defence that has been stretched in recent matches.

Jude Bellingham also made progress, taking part in part of the session after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The English midfielder's return is cautious, as starting him in such an intense fixture could be risky after more than six weeks out.

Arbeloa may choose to bring him on later in the game if needed, following a similar approach used earlier this season after Bellingham recovered from shoulder surgery.

Carreras and Asencio, however, are closer to full fitness. Carreras, who was on the bench in Manchester without playing, is back in contention after missing four matches.

Asencio returns from a right-leg strain that kept him out of the last three games.

Despite these returns, Real Madrid still face a list of absentees, including Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos and Eder Militao.

The derby promises to test the squad's depth, but the reintegration of Carreras, Asencio and progress from Bellingham offer a timely lift ahead of one of the season's most intense fixtures.