Real Madrid have refused to risk central defender Eder Militao, despite the Brazil international asking to play in the closing stages of a recent training match.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since April but is nearing a return to full fitness. According to Marca, Militao wanted to feature briefly to convince Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff that he was ready to resume competitive action.
His request was rejected, with the defender told: “No, you will not play even for five minutes.”
Real Madrid will host Villarreal on Saturday in the eighth round of La Liga. The match is scheduled to kick off at 22:00 Moscow time.
Mourinho’s side are currently fourth in the La Liga table.