Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro tests negative for Coronavirus

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has recovered from coronavirus and will be available for this weekend's game against Unai Emery's Villarreal. 

Casemiro tested positive for the virus two weeks ago and subsequently missed Madrid's 4-1 defeat to Valencia. He was also unable to join up with Brazil during the international break. 

However, he has now tested negative and will be able to return to training in preparation for Saturday's game away at high-flying Villarreal. 

It's good news for coach Zinedine Zidane, who also hopes to be able to count on Karim Benzema, Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal following recent injury problems. 

Eden Hazard and Eder Militao also tested positive for coronavirus recently, like Casemiro, but have not yet tested negiative although Madrid hope they will soon. 

The international break has led to concerns over defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, though, with both players injured while on duty with Spain and France respectively. 

Madrid will hope neither are seriously hurt and both will be available to play Villarreal, who sit second in La Liga with 18 points from their nine games. 

Zidane's side are fourth with 16 points from eight games following the loss to Valencia before the international break. 

After Saturday's league game, Madrid have another big Champions League game away against Antonio Conte's Inter Milan on Wednesday.