Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid forward set to miss Schalke friendly due to muscle overload
Real Madrid will play their final pre-season game of the summer this weekend when they take on Schalke away at the Veltins-Arena in Germany.
It will offer manager Jose Mourinho the final opportunity to take a close look at his team in a match-situation before the new campaign gets underway.
However, leading up to the game, it appears that one of the young players in the squad has suffered a physical setback.
Endrick sidelined with a muscle overload
Indeed, according to journalist Melchor Ruiz of COPE, Endrick has suffered a muscle overload and will now miss the friendly against Schalke on Sunday.
This comes after it was reported earlier today that the 20-year-old Brazilian international did not train with the rest of the group and instead took part in an individual indoor session.
While it is unclear as to when the young striker suffered the physical issue, he hopes to recover and make himself available for selection for Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against RCD Espanyol next week.
No shortage of options
Endrick’s absence is a blow, considering that he was doing well in pre-season, even finding the back of the net in the friendly against Fiorentina.
However, manager Mourinho is not short on options to replace the Brazilian striker.
After all, summer arrival Carlos Espi has made a strong case for regular involvement once the season starts with his impressive displays in pre-season so far.
In addition, Kylian Mbappe has returned to training after his World Cup break this week and is expected to make his first appearance under the new manager.
An important season ahead
The 20-year-old has returned to the club after spending the second half of the last season on loan at Olympique Lyon, where he excelled under Paulo Fonseca.
For a while, it appeared likely that the forward could leave on another loan spell, but the plans changed after Gonzalo Garcia was sold.
Within Real Madrid, there is full faith in Endrick and his abilities.
But it is now up to the youngster, once he recovers from this physical setback, to make the most of whatever chances he gets in the coming season and cement his place as an important player for Los Blancos.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
