Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho has returned to training for the first time in nearly seven weeks.

The 33-year-old former Chelsea player injured his back in training on Oct. 1 and hasn’t played since, with Spain international Sergio Ramos filling his spot in central defense.

Brazil internationals Kaka and Marcelo also continued their recovery from injuries and trained with the rest of the squad Tuesday, when Carvalho trained apart from the group on his own.

Madrid leads defending champion Barcelona by three points at the top of the standings ahead of Saturday’s match at third-place Valencia. (AP)