Real Madrid train ahead of Rayo without Rudiger, Valverde returns

'Los Blancos' counted the absence of Antonio Rudiger during Saturday's rainy training session because of a flu-like illness, and could also be without him for Rayo Vallecano's visit on Sunday in La Liga.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is said to decide whether to include or rest the German defender, with an eye on Wednesday's Champions League second-leg last 16 tie against city rivals Atletico.

Alongside Rudiger, long-term absentees Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Jesus Vallejo and Dani Ceballos also missed out on training and will continue to be sidelined with injuries when Real Madrid host Rayo at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Federico Valverde was able to train regularly with the rest of the squad after doing some individual work in yesterday's session. Whether he will be included in the matchday squad remains to be seen.