Marcelo returns to Real Madrid training

Real Madrid's Brazilian defender Marcelo on Saturday started training for the next season at the club sporting city, in a session led by new assistant coach Albert Celades.

Having wrapped up his vacation after participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Marcelo joined his countryman, midfielder Casemiro, who had started training on Friday at Real's facilities in Valdebebas, Spain, reports EFE news agency.

"Marcelo has got his pre-season training underway at the facilities at Real Madrid City," said a statement by the club. "The defender worked with fitness coach Javier Mallo alongside Casemiro, all under the watchful eye of Albert Celades, the latest recruit for (Julen) Lopetegui's coaching staff."

French defender Raphael Varane - who was part of the national team that recently won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia - as well as midfielders Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic of Croatia - the World Cup's runner-up - are expected to join the team training on Monday.

"Following a short warm-up, both Casemiro and Marcelo completed speed-based exercises with and without the ball before finishing off with a series of running drills," the Spanish squad said on its website.

Most of Real Madrid's players are in the United States, where they are set to play the last match of their US tour against Italy's AS Rome at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on August 8.

--IANS

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