Photo by ISI Photos

By RYAN TOLMICH

With a clash with rivals Atletico Madrid looming, Real Madrid expect to head into this weekend boosted by a fully fit Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese midfielder returned to full training Tuesday after previously partaking in solo training sessions due to a back injury. Ronaldo’s fitness woes were enough to keep him from participating in national team duty, as Portugal slumped in a 1-0 upset defeat at the hands of Albania.

However, Real Madrid will be without Dani Carvajal ahead of the derby, as the fullback is set to miss time after suffering a thigh injury while with the Spanish national side.

Saturday’s clash between the Madrid rivals will be the third of the young 2014-15 season, as Atletico claimed the Super Cup 2-1 on aggregate.

Here are some more news and notes to kickoff your Wednesday morning:

LAYUN LEADS MEXICO IN FRIENDLY WIN OVER BOLIVIA

Although it wasn’t as dominant a performance as expected, Mexico had what it took to earn a victory.

El Tri did just enough to pick up a 1-0 victory over Bolivia Tuesday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, as left back Miguel Layun provided his side with the game’s lone goal.

Layun’s finish came in the 18th minute and shortly followed a slew of Mexico chances that threatened to put El Tri up even earlier. The Club America defender was there to give his side the lead by blasting home a rebound opportunity following a Javier Aquino effort.

With the victory, Mexico moved to 9-1-1 all time against Bolivia.

CANADA SNAP WINLESS STREAK WITH VICTORY OVER JAMAICA

For the first time in two years, Canada emerged victorious.

Les Rouges put an end to their 16-game winless streak Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over Jamaica at BMO Field behind goals from David Edgar, Marcel de Jong and Tosaint Ricketts.

Just one minute after a Kemar Lawrence opener for Jamaica right on the half-hour mark, Edgar gave the hosts the perfect response with an equalizing volley to tie things at one. De Jong and Ricketts added a goal each in the second half as Canada picked up the team’s first win under head coach Benito Floro.

RIBERY “READY” FOR RETURN AGAINST STUTTGART

Despite making recent headlines for his lack of international desire, Franck Ribery is set to resume life on the club level.

The French star is set to return from an injury-plagued summer that has seen Ribery suffer from both back and knee problems. Ribery is now set to return to first-team action this weekend as Bayern Munich take on Stuttgart Saturday.

“I’m feeling good and I’m fit for Saturday,” Ribery said. “Now I just need to find my rhythm.”

RAMSEY SUFFERS INJURY IN WALES WIN

Arsenal are facing the prospect of entering this weekend’s clash with reigning champions Manchester City a bit short handed.

Aaron Ramsey picked up an ankle injury Tuesday in Wales’ 2-1 victory over Andorra, leaving the midfielder’s status for this weekend in doubt.

“I’ll be alright – the pitch was very hard there’s no give in it so I rolled my ankle a bit,” Ramsey said. “Hopefully it will be nothing and I’ll be available for Saturday. These are the games you want to play in and I’m looking forward to it.”

Ramsey was joined by manager Chris Coleman and fellow star Gareth Bale in criticizing pitch conditions following Tuesday’s victory, as the Welch side was less-than thrilled with the artificial surface.

“The pitch is not up to the standard of a UEFA qualifier,” Coleman said, “but I don’t want to make a protest because I want other teams to come here. I didn’t want to say anything about the pitch before the game, but I can now and if you’re a passing team, forget it.”

QUICK KICKS

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal will be out of action until October 1 due to a thigh injury. (REPORT)

Tottenham Hotspur will spend a season away from White Hart Lane due to construction delays on a new stadium. (REPORT)

Queens Park Rangers could face relegation out of The Football League if they fail to comply with Financial Fair Play fines. (REPORT)

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu could miss this weekend’s matchup with Athletic Bilbao due to a right ankle injury. (REPORT)

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How do you see this weekend’s Madrid derby unfolding? Who impressed you in Mexico’s victory? What impact do you expect out of a returning Ribery? How would Arsenal fare without Ramsey this weekend?

Share your thoughts below.