Real Madrid injury news: Pepe to return to training on Tuesday

Real Madrid defender Pepe will return to training next week after recovering from a foot injury, manager Zinedine Zidane has confirmed.

The 6ft 2in centre-back has been sidelined for four weeks after suffering the injury in a 1-1 draw with Real Betis on 24th January.

Inflammation and discomfort his kept him out of training this month, and though he still hasn’t regained enough fitness to feature against Malaga on Sunday, he will be in training on Tuesday.

Zidane said, as reported by AS: "He’s in good spirits. The issue he has takes time… He’s much better."

"The plan is for him to continue with what he needs to do in the coming days, and from Tuesday he’ll be back with the group."

Although Los Blancos have won the three La Liga games in Pepe’s absence and triumphed 2-0 against Roma in the Champions League last 16 first leg, Zidane will be pleased to see him back.

The Portuguese has won a spectacular 74% of his headers this season, whilst making an average of eight defensive actions per league match.

In the meantime, the Madrid boss is likely to have to play full-back Nacho Fernandez out of position alongside captain Sergio Ramos against Malaga.

Los Blancos then face a derby against Atletico next weekend – a fixture that Pepe, who has been with the club since 2007, will undoubtedly be keen to play in.

The side have been in good form since Madrid icon Zidane took over on 4th January, but despite this they still sit third in La Liga, a full 10 points behind Barcelona.

Madrid will need to finish the season strongly and although Pepe can be a live-wire, he is also an experienced campaigner capable of helping the side achieve their goals.