Sergio Ramos set to return for Real Madrid against Alaves

Real Madrid have been given a fitness boost with the news that club captain Sergio Ramos will return to action for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Alaves.

The central defender went off injured in last week’s 4-2 victory at Espanyol after sustaining a knock to his left knee, although scans have cleared him of a significant layoff.

The 32-year-old will sit out the midweek Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Girona, which Madrid lead 4-2 on aggregate, as a precaution.

Marca say Ramos will return to league action this weekend and with Raphael Varane suspended, he is likely to partner Nacho Fernandez in the heart of the defence.