Randolph returns to the side

Anthony Randolph has returned to action 351 days later. Almost a year after sustaining an injury against Olympiacos and rupturing his Achilles tendon, the American player made his comeback for Real Madrid against Casademont Zaragoza in the 12th round of league fixtures. Randolph played 12:52 minutes and contributed to Laso's team's victory.
 
On 18 December 2020, the power forward was helped off the court at the Peace and Friendship Pavilion by several of his teammates. The severity of the injury was confirmed a day later after tests carried out by Real Madrid's Medical Services: a total rupture of the Achilles tendon in his left foot. For Randolph, that day marked the beginning of a battle unlike any he had experienced before. On the 20th, barely 48 hours after the injury, he underwent surgery at the Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Moraleja.

Since then, he has undertaken a gruelling and lengthy recovery, complying with the deadlines set for his rehabilitation. Last Monday, Randolph completed the process by training with the rest of the team as a member of the squad and on Saturday he returned to the side after 56 games on the sidelines. Laso brought him on in the win against Casademont Zaragoza with 2:57 seconds left in the first quarter and his first contribution was a three-pointer. He finished the match with seven points and three rebounds, as Real Madrid recovered a unique player, one of the leading offensive figures of the last few years.
 
Seven trophies in six seasons
Randolph is in his sixth season at Real Madrid, though he missed most of last season due to injury. He joined the club in the 2016-17 campaign and has played 263 games for the side, winning seven trophies: one EuroLeague title, two League titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and two Spanish Super Cups.