Atletico Madrid have received a double boost ahead of the derbi against Real Madrid on Nov. 18, with key players Koke and Yannick Carrasco returning to training with the squad.
Playmaker Koke has missed the last six games with a thigh muscle injury picked up against Barcelona last month, while winger Carrasco has not featured since the draw at Qarabag, also last month, with a knee problem.
Their absences have coincided with a dip in form for Diego Simeone’s side, whose late win at Deportivo La Coruna last weekend was only their second in nine games in all competitions.
? ? First training session of the week!
Check out the best pictures from today’s afternoon session.
➕?➡https://t.co/ikhQAckYgC#AupaAtleti pic.twitter.com/VV9TsRv74K— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 7, 2017
Carrasco and Koke took part in training on Tuesday along with the players not away on international duty.
“Carrasco and Koke worked with the group,” a club statement said. “The winger and midfielder are into the final stretch of their recoveries.”
Defenders Filipe Luis and Stefan Savic remain sidelined with minor injuries, but both are expected to be available when Real visit the Wanda Metropolitano.
Dermot Corrigan is a Madrid-based football writer who covers La Liga and the Spain national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @dermotmcorrigan