Real Madrid have officially begun their preparations for Sunday's blockbuster El Clásico against Barcelona, and the early signs are promising for Los Blancos. The squad returned to training at Valdebebas this week, blending recovery sessions with high-intensity drills as they gear up for one of the most anticipated matches of the La Liga season.

Following their hard-fought victory over Espanyol, the squad was split into two groups. The starters from that match focused on light recovery work, while the rest of the team hit the gym before moving onto the pitch for a more demanding workload. Once outside, the players sharpened their skills with rondos, finishing drills in tight spaces, and two conditioned matches—one emphasizing immediate pressing after losing possession, and another played in a small-sided format to boost intensity and quick decision-making.

The biggest headline from the session? Thibaut Courtois is back. The Belgian goalkeeper completed the entire training session with the group, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a rectus femoris muscle tear in his right quadriceps. Courtois has been sidelined for roughly six weeks after picking up the injury during the Champions League clash against Manchester City on March 17. Since then, Andriy Lunin has stood tall between the posts, but Courtois' return to full training now opens the door for a potential comeback in the biggest match of the season so far.

Whether Courtois will be immediately reinstated as the starter depends on manager Álvaro Arbeloa's assessment over the next few days, but the signs are certainly encouraging for Madrid fans. A fully fit Courtois could be the difference-maker in a high-stakes Clásico where every save counts.

However, not all news is positive. Several key players remain sidelined, including Dani Carvajal, Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo. All are continuing their respective recovery programs and did not train with the group. Their availability for Sunday is uncertain, adding another layer of complexity as Madrid prepare for a clash that could shape the title race.

Real Madrid will face Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday night at 9:00 PM local time. With the La Liga title race heating up, this El Clásico promises to be a defining moment in the season. Stay tuned for more updates as the week progresses—and make sure you're geared up in the latest Madrid kit to support the team through every save, goal, and victory.