Saturday 21 February 2015 13:52, UK
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insists Luka Modric will be fit to face Barcelona in next month’s crucial La Liga clash.
Modric’s influence has been badly missed by the Real midfield in recent weeks, especially with James Rodriguez and Sami Khedira both on the sidelines. Barca have closed the gap to a single point at the top of the table, whilst Los Blancos were also dumped out of the Copa del Rey by city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The former Tottenham midfielder returned to training this week after three months out due to a torn thigh muscle and is expected to be fit for his side’s March 22 date with Barca.
Ancelotti said: "He feels good, but we will take it slowly.
"He hasn't done a full session with the team yet, but he will do next week and by the 22nd he will be ready. We hope he can play before the Camp Nou."
Ancelotti will oversee his 100th game in charge of the European champions on Sunday night when Real Madrid travel to Elche.
Despite winning four trophies in that time, the Italian's hold on the job has been questioned in recent weeks, particularly after Real were humbled 4-0 by Atletico earlier this month.
However, the 55-year-old said he wasn't concerned that talks over an extension to his contract, which runs until 2016, seem to have stalled and that the matter will be resolved at the end of the season.
"I feel valued and happy here. There is no rush for the renewal of my contract, we have a year-and-a-half,” Ancelotti added.
"Since I arrived here I knew we need to win, but that isn't something new, in all the teams I have coached the objective was to win titles. I don't think I will renew only if we win.
"The end of the season will be a good time to talk about the renewal, but if not then there is no rush. I have a contract here until 2016."
