Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti names Real Madrid forward in Brazil squad despite fitness concerns
Endrick has received a fresh vote of confidence from Carlo Ancelotti after being included in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.
The Real Madrid forward has yet to make his competitive debut for the club this season after struggling with fitness problems dating back to pre-season.
Despite his lack of playing time, Ancelotti has decided to keep faith with the 19-year-old as Brazil continues to assess its options in attack.
“I believe Endrick will be an important player for the future of the national team,” said Ancelotti as he announced the 26-man squad for two friendlies against Australia and one against India.
The call-up comes at an important point in Endrick’s Madrid career, as he remained with the Spanish giants despite receiving significant offers for both a loan and permanent transfer.
Endrick faces competition at Real Madrid
Endrick’s immediate challenge is to establish himself in Mourinho’s plans.
26 CONVOCADOS! 🇧🇷
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A Seleção está pronta para novos desafios: dois jogos contra a Austrália e o primeiro confronto da história contra a Índia.
25/09 | Austrália
29/09 | Austrália
03/10 | Índia
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On paper, he will compete for the role of first-choice attacking substitute alongside Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi, although his fitness has so far prevented him from making his competitive debut.
Despite all this, his situation at club level has not stopped Ancelotti from placing considerable faith in him internationally.
Endrick was part of Brazil’s squad at the last World Cup but failed to make the expected impact, yet the Italian has opted to continue backing the young forward.
“Over the past year we’ve tried out a lot of centre-forwards, but I think the situation is now very clear to everyone.
“We’ve got a couple of very promising young players, and we need to keep an eye on their progress,” said Carletto.
The Brazil boss believes the national team has strong depth in attack, with Endrick among several younger players being monitored.
“As well as Endrick, we’ve got other young players who are performing well, as well as others who aren’t on the list. We’re very well covered in terms of forwards,” he added.
Ancelotti keeps close eye on Real Madrid
Ancelotti’s decision to select Endrick also comes after the former Real Madrid manager visited Valdebebas last week.
The Italian, who managed the club on two separate occasions, used the visit to meet Madrid’s Brazilian players and assess the progress of Rodrygo and Eder Militao, both of whom are recovering from long-term injuries.
For Endrick, the international call-up provides an opportunity to regain competitive sharpness and remind both Brazil and Real Madrid of his qualities.
Yet his immediate priority is to break into Mourinho’s team and prove that his fitness problems are behind him.
With the international break done and dusted, Real Madrid will be back in action this weekend in La Liga, where they will be looking to catch up to league leaders FC Barcelona.
Coming up for Jose Mourinho & co., who lost their last game before the international break, will be a home game against Villarreal on Saturday.
And, leading up to the game, the Spanish capital club have received welcome news on the injury front.
Mbappe back in group training
Indeed, as per MARCA, Kylian Mbappe will be available for Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Having been training individually so far this week, the France captain rejoined group training under Mourinho today, taking a concrete step forward towards making himself available for the game.
The forward looked relaxed and ready to work, putting his boots back on and joining the group as Real Madrid prepare for a demanding run of fixtures throughout October.
And, unless there is any unforeseen setback, everything suggests that Mbappe will be ready to start against the Yellow Submarine come Saturday.
Under scrutiny
The past few weeks have been nothing short of eventful for Mbappe, with his every action and movement under heavy scrutiny.
Playing for France, in Zinedine Zidane’s managerial debut, the 27-year-old superstar scored a goal before asking for a substitution due to a knee injury.
Having flown back to Madrid, he underwent tests, which confirmed the injury, although it was not as serious as was initially feared.
The forward then took week-long holiday with his partner that sparked some debate among supporters and attracted criticism from multiple quarters.
Mbappe returned to Madrid on Monday and participated in individual sessions at Valdebebas over the past couple of days. Now he has resumed normal training with his teammates.
There had been doubts over whether Mbappe would be able to face Villarreal after he picked up the injury on 25 September.
However, the recovery plan followed by the forward appears to have worked, and he is now expected to be in a fully fit condition for Saturday’s match.
