Today : Apr 19, 2025
Sports
12 April 2025

Dani Ceballos Aiming For Return Against Athletic Club

Midfielder focuses on full recovery ahead of crucial matches

As Real Madrid gears up for a crucial stretch in their season, the potential return of midfielder Dani Ceballos has become a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. After a six-week recovery from a hamstring injury, Ceballos is focused on making a full comeback for the upcoming match against Athletic Club on April 20, 2025.

Ceballos sustained the injury during the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona in late February, a match that saw him sidelined just as the team was looking to build momentum. His absence has been felt at the Santiago Bernabéu, where his ability to control the tempo of the game has been sorely missed. According to reports from AS, the talented midfielder has been diligently increasing his training load, gradually working on sprinting, jumping, and even taking contact in controlled drills with his teammates.

Despite his eagerness to return, both Ceballos and the club have agreed on a cautious approach to his recovery. The midfielder had initially hoped to play against Arsenal on April 16, but it became evident that the timeline was too tight. "The key now is ensuring that my recovery is complete to avoid any setbacks," Ceballos stated, emphasizing the importance of returning at full fitness.

As the situation stands, Ceballos is likely to miss the match against Alaves on April 13, 2025. If he is not fully ready for the Athletic clash, the plan is to postpone his return until after the Getafe match, which is just days before the Copa del Rey final. Ceballos is optimistic, expressing confidence that he will be at 100% by then. "I want to play a significant role in the final stretch of the season and be in top form for the Copa del Rey final," he remarked.

The upcoming matches are pivotal for Real Madrid, who are in pursuit of silverware in both domestic and international competitions. The team has been in good form, but the addition of Ceballos back into the lineup could provide the spark they need as they prepare for the Copa del Rey final. His ability to dictate play and link up with the forwards will be crucial as they aim to secure their place in the final.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been vocal about the importance of Ceballos's return. He noted that having a player of Ceballos's caliber can make a significant difference in high-pressure situations. "Dani brings a unique quality to our midfield that we have missed during his absence. His vision and control can change the dynamics of a match," Ancelotti commented.

As fans eagerly await news on Ceballos's fitness, the focus remains on the upcoming match against Alaves. It is a crucial fixture that could set the tone for the rest of the season. Should Ceballos manage to feature, even for a few minutes, it would not only boost the team's morale but also provide him with much-needed match practice ahead of the more significant clash against Arsenal.

The situation is developing, and all eyes will be on Ceballos as he continues his recovery. If all goes well, he could be poised to make a triumphant return to the pitch, helping Real Madrid in their quest for glory.

In conclusion, the return of Dani Ceballos is highly anticipated, and while he may miss the Alaves match, the prospect of him being back for the Athletic game on April 20 remains promising. His determination to return at full strength speaks volumes about his commitment to the team and the season's objectives.