Wesley Sneijder was injured on 18 April against Recreativo Huelva and was expected to miss four to five weeks. Arjen Robben was hurt in the Getafe match last week and all signs pointed to a two to three week absence. Both players however have exceeded all expectations and today trained on the Valdebebas pitch eager to be fully healed by Saturday.

If either of the two are assured of being fit for the Clasico it would be Arjen Robben, who trained at a faster rhythm than his counterpart. Robben began today’s session by jogging with his teammates before training in solitary. Once on his own and under the supervision of recovery expert Carlos Lalin, Robben was able to get his first touch on a ball since falling injured..

It’s still to early to say whether Robben will suit up or not, but one thing is certain. There is no lack of desire to play. Those who know him know he will do whatever it takes to participate in the Clasico, and based on what was seen today, no one should doubt his commitment. Robben has two sessions left to prove he’s physically fit for action.

Drenthe’s second child born on Wednesday in Madrid

Royston Drenthe became a dad for the second time on Wednesday when his daughter, who weighed 7.9 pounds, was born at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital in Madrid. Both mother and child are in perfect health.