Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti returns to Real Madrid training and checks on three injured stars
Carlo Ancelotti made an emotional return to Real Madrid’s training ground on Thursday, with the former manager taking the opportunity to reconnect with his old players and personally check on the progress of three injured Brazil internationals.
According to MARCA, Ancelotti returned to Valdebebas ahead of Real Madrid’s meeting with Real Betis and greeted the squad before training began.
The Italian coach then paid particular attention to Endrick, Rodrygo and Eder Militao, who are continuing their respective recoveries away from the main group.
As per the outlet, the visit had a clear sporting purpose.
Ancelotti is now in charge of the Brazil national team, meaning the fitness of the three Madrid players is directly relevant to his own plans.
With the next international break approaching, he wanted to see their condition for himself rather than just rely on updates from elsewhere.
Ancelotti checks on Endrick, Rodrygo and Militao
Endrick, Rodrygo and Militao trained separately from the rest of the Real Madrid squad as they continue their rehabilitation.
Ancelotti closely observed the three Brazilians during their session, paying particular attention to how their recovery is progressing.
Notably, at the last 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ancelotti was only able to call upon Endrick, while Rodrygo and Militao were both affected by long-term injuries.
Those problems have continued to linger, making their availability an obvious concern for the Brazil coach as another international break approaches.
Ancelotti’s visit therefore allowed him to combine a return to familiar surroundings with a first-hand assessment of players who could be central to his plans.
Real Madrid face mounting selection problems
From Real Madrid’s perspective, Ancelotti’s return came at a difficult moment for Jose Mourinho.
The Madrid manager remains without Aurelien Tchouameni Raul Asensio, Ferland Mendy and Thiago Pitarch, while Endrick, Rodrygo and Militao are also unavailable as they work their way back to fitness.
Furthermore, for Tuesday’s Champions League match, Mourinho will also be without Camavinga, Arda Guler and Federico Valverde through suspension.
That leaves the Portuguese coach with a heavily depleted midfield at a time when Real Madrid face one of the most demanding parts of their schedule.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend Raul sends message to Vinicius after Bernabeu whistles: ‘Has to know the crowd is very demanding’
Real Madrid and Spain legend Raul Gonzalez has given his opinion on Vinicius Jr. being whistled at by fans at the Santiago Bernabeu last night during the game against Inter Milan.
One of the main talking points from the match, which Los Blancos won 2-1, was the reaction of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd to Vinicius, who was booed by sections of the stadium.
Raul defends Vinicius’ work without the ball
Speaking after the game, Raul claimed that was impressed by the Brazilian’s contribution defensively, even though he felt Vinicius was not at his best going forward.
“He was very committed defensively. He contributed a lot and defended like one of the team. He wasn’t quite at his best going forward and then Mourinho congratulated him,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
The former Real Madrid striker also warned Vinicius that expectations at the Bernabeu are extremely high.
“He has to know that the Bernabeu crowd is very demanding and always wants the maximum.”
Raul believes the Brazilian is simply going through a temporary dip in form and expects him to return to his best soon.
“He’s not at his best at the moment, but I’m sure that in one or two weeks he’ll be back at his maximum level. He’s a player who never gives up and always tries to be at his best,” he stated.
An important result
Looking at the match as a whole, Raul felt the most important thing was securing victory against a well-organised Inter side.
“The best thing is that they got the three points. It wasn’t easy because Inter are a team with a very well-worked structure and Madrid had several absences in midfield,” he said.
“The goals for Madrid came from mistakes in the build-up. Then they had some very clear chances and Inter’s goal created uncertainty at the end, but it’s a good result to start the campaign,” the legendary striker added.
Raul singled out Thibaut Courtois for particular praise, highlighting the goalkeeper’s importance to Real Madrid’s ambitions this season, saying:
“He was one of the best players in the match. He’s been performing at a very high level over the last few seasons and has always been there when he’s been needed.”
“He has kept the team alive. I think he’s a fundamental player and gives a team the balance not only to win matches, but to win titles at the end of the year.”
Raul believes Real Madrid missed Guler, backs Mbappe for Ballon d’Or
The former Real Madrid captain also identified something he felt was missing from Mourinho’s side: a player of Arda Guler’s quality.
“A profile like his was missing. He has a lot of enthusiasm and is very motivated,” he stated.
Raul believes the Turkish midfielder can provide an important creative link with the attacking players, alongside Bernardo Silva.
“He’s the one who can provide passes to the players further forward, together with Bernardo Silva. Both have experience and, as he adapts to the demands of the level, everything will be much better,” he added.
Raul was also asked about the Ballon d’Or and specifically Kylian Mbappe’s chances of winning the award.
He acknowledged the Frenchman’s quality and his strong year, while noting that the award has changed considerably compared with previous eras.
“He has quality. I think he’s had a great year,” he noted.
“I’d like it to be a Spaniard, but if it isn’t a Spaniard, I’d vote for Kylian,” Raul concluded.
