Raphael Varane has returned to training for Real Madrid, 71 days after his last game.
It was following an appearance for France in the World Cup play-offs that Varane broke down, AS reports, with inflammation of his left knee.
The original injury was suffered in the final game of last season against Espanyol and required an operation over the summer.
Varane trained in Miami with his Madrid teammates during pre-season but was unable to take a full part in the sessions due to the discomfort of his knee.
The centre-back didn’t play for Madrid until October but his knee continued to be a problem, with the decision then made to withdraw Varane from action until he had recovered further.
Rather than undergo surgery Varane has followed a recovery plan that has led him to return to training on Sunday, and he could make only his seventh appearance of the season in the Copa del Rey game against Espanyol on Tuesday.
Also in training on Sunday were Fabio Coentrao and Sami Khedira.
