Getty Images

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 25

Jese Rodriguez is ticking all the right boxes in training as he closes in on a comeback for Real Madrid.

The youngster has been seriously testing his knee on return from surgery, as described by Marca's Hugo Cerezo:

He posted a message on Twitter in the afternoon to say that he had clocked 32 km/h on the Ciudad Deportivo pitch, an extremely promising sign. According to LFP data, Marcelo and Bale were the fastest of the Real-Elche match, sprinting at 33 km/h. The Real Madrid number 20 was doing plyometric training, which involves jumping from a raised step to improve lower body strength. [...] On Wednesday, he published the first photo of himself with the ball since being injured while playing Schalke (18th March). The photo shows him practicing dribbling in zigzags. His return to training with the group is very close. [...] If all goes to plan, Jesé could be playing by early November, if not sooner.

The tweeted photo referred to by Cerezo is shown here:

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 18

Jese Rodriguez is targeting a return to action by the end of October, according to a Marca report on Thursday.

Rodriguez is on his way back from a serious knee injury, and A. Albaladejo reports:

The striker is nearing the end of his recovery process and is expected to be fully fit by the end of October or early November. Two weeks ago, MARCA reported that he was back training with the ball, after the knee infection he sustained after surgery had put back his recovery.

Original Text

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Jese Rodriguez is closing in on a return to Real Madrid's ranks after successfully recovering from the cruciate ligament damage suffered last season.

The Spanish youngster continues to work on a personalised fitness regime after successfully undergoing surgery, per Real Madrid's official Twitter account:

Jese has remained on the sideline since his collision with Schalke's Sead Kolasinac during Madrid's Champions League win in March. The 21-year-old subsequently had his hopes of making Vicente del Bosque's World Cup squad dashed after posting an excellent start to the season with Ancelotti's side.

The creative winger scored five goals and contributed four assists during four starts and 14 substitute appearances for Los Blancos last season, per WhoScored.com. He certainly looked set to play an important role throughout the side's La Liga and Champions League campaigns during a period in which Gareth Bale was still bedding in after his move from Tottenham.

Unfortunately for Jese, his injury setback halted momentum ahead of Madrid grabbing La Decima. He won't be rushed back into the side, but once fit, he faces an almighty challenge to oust the European champions' growing collection of world-class talents.

Another Rodriguez, namely James, provides a real threat to Jese's longevity at the club. James was snapped up for a fee of £63 million this summer, per Simon Rice of The Independent, and he won't expect to have his playing time cut short by Jese's return.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

The Colombian star enjoys a similar role to his namesake—either on the flank or just behind the striker—and is expected to be an instant hit at the Bernabeu. Jese was already competing with the likes of Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria and Isco before James' arrival, meaning the returning star will need to reach top form if he is to become anything more than a regular substitute or Copa del Rey player.

Di Maria's potential move away from the Spanish capital could increase the need for Jese, per Guillem Balague of Sky Sports:

Jese certainly has the ability to excel on the top stage and is a starlet many European sides would love to have on their books.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Similar to Gerard Deulofeu at Barcelona, it may be a wise option for the developing player to secure a loan move. This would allow him to gain further experience playing in the first team at such a competitive level. Considering Jese's recent injury, a temporary switch could also ease the immediate pressure on his game.

Right now, Jese just needs to rebuild his fitness and look to make a successful return. Such a long layoff is likely to have impacted his effectiveness, meaning he should be eased back into action.

A smart run of form upon his return should hold Jese in good stead for the future, whether he remains at the Bernabeu or not.