Real defence boosted by the return of Ruediger and Militao for Girona visit

Alonso says the return of injured players will help Real to maintain their winning momentum

LaLiga - Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - Oct 26, 2025 FC Barcelona's Pedri in action with Real Madrid's Eder Militao REUTERS/Susana Vera

LaLiga Leaders Real Madrid will be boosted by the return of Germany defender Antonio Ruediger after a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury when they visit Girona with the aim of staying unbeaten in the Spanish top flight for the second month in a row.

Ruediger's fellow centre back Eder Militao, who suffered a muscle injury earlier this month, would also return for Real Madrid, who are unbeaten in LaLiga since September, coach Xabi Alonso told reporters on Saturday.

“We've got Ruediger and Militao back. We'll wait until tomorrow with (Raul) Asencio. (Dean) Huijsen isn’t ready yet, we're waiting. (Franco) Mastantuono is also in the squad,” Alonso said.

Defender Asencio was taken off the field during a midweek 4-3 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. Midfielder Mastantuono has been out since early November with a groin injury.

Alonso said the return of injured players would help Real to maintain their winning momentum going into Sunday's game.

"We need a win to keep adding three more points if we want to stay up there. That's the goal," he said.

"If we want to get to May... with a chance of competing for everything, we have to be really connected on a day-to-day basis.

"We have good communication and connection... we're very solid from within."

Real are just one point above title rivals Barcelona, who were playing Alaves on Saturday.