体坛英语新闻：Moddric return to provide timely boost for Real Madrid

MADRID, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid have received a major boost in their efforts to win the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga and retain the Champions League trophy with the return of Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric to full training.

Modric has been out of action for over three months after damaging knee ligaments while on international duty in November and his absence has been hard for coach Carlo Ancelotti to cover, especially in the wake of recent injuries to Sami Khedira and also James Rodriguez.

Ancelotti clearly has little faith in former Real Sociedad midfielder, Asier Illaramendi and it was recent signing, Lucas Silva who partnered Tony Kroos in his side's 2-0 win away to Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Kroos complained of tiredness at the end of 2014, but Modric's absence means that the German has been forced to play in every game, not only that, but he has played in a deep midfield position and the return of Modric would allow him to push forward to his preferred role closer to the rival penalty area.

Ancelotti will not take any risks with Modric at this stage in his recovery and he certainly won't form any part of the squad which will play in Elche on Sunday night, while it is also unlikely he will play the following weekend at home to Villarreal.

However, Modric could make his return when Madrid travel to play Athletic Club Bilbao on March 7th or in the return leg against Schalke, which already looks as if it going to be a forgone conclusion in the wake of Madrid's win in Germany.

But there is one date that stands out above all others and that is March 22 when Real Madrid play away to FC Barcelona in the 'Classico'. With just one point between the two sides in the BBVA Primera Liga, it is starting to look as if the winner of that game could well go on and win the title and to have Modric 100 percent fit for the game would be a massive bonus for Ancelotti and his side.