Real Madrid handed timely Champions League boost in blow for Chelsea

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has confirmed Sergio Ramos has returned to fitness in time for the second leg with Chelsea.

Ramos has struggled with injuries throughout the season and has missed Los Blancos' last nine games in all competitions with a calf complaint.

In their talisman's absence, Zidane's side battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their semi-final with Chelsea.

But Ramos returned to full training this week and will be available for the run-in.

"He's training with us and that means he's able to play too," Zidane told reporters of Ramos, who has scored four goals in 20 appearances this season.

"We'll see what we do when we name the squad, but Sergio is fit and ready to play."

As well as handing Zidane a timely boost ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge, Ramos returns to contention in time for the final five La Liga games of the season.

Real Madrid's title defence hangs in the balance, with just three points separating leaders Atletico Madrid from fourth-place Sevilla, with Los Blancos and Barcelona second and third respectively.

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"La Liga is always such a tough competition and it'll be that way until the end," said Zidane.

"We want to win this league title, we know it'll be difficult but we're going to give everything to do so until the end of the season.

"There's obviously been a lot of games, players have had problems, but in a seasons all sorts of things happen.

"The important thing is that we're ready to go out there and compete."

Elsewhere, Zidane confirmed left-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Federico Valverde will miss Saturday night's home clash with Osasuna through injury.

Winger Lucas Vazquez and right-back Dani Carvajal remain sidelined with long-term problems.

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