Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against RCD Mallorca
Real Madrid will be aiming to reduce the gap between themselves and leaders FC Barcelona when they take on RCD Mallorca away at Son Moix in a couple of hours.
With not much time left for the game to kick off, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has released the starting lineup that will be taking the field against Javier Aguirre’s side.
As expected Thibaut Courtois continues in goal for Los Blancos while Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez form the centre-back pairing in the injury-enforced absence of Eder Militao.
With Nacho moving to centre-back, Dani Carvajal returns to the starting XI, reclaiming his position at right-back. Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga gets another opportunity at left-back even though David Alaba is an option for Ancelotti.
Aurelien Tchouameni makes his first start since returning from injury, slotting in at the base of the midfield. He is accompanied by Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos in the centre of the park for Real Madrid against Mallorca, meaning Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have been benched by the manager.
Rodrygo Goes starts as the No. 9 in Karim Benzema’s absence. He is flanked by Marco Asensio and Vinicius Jr, both of whom were on target in the midweek clash against Valencia.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro 𝗫𝗜 inicial 🆚 @RCD_Mallorca!@UnicajaBanco | #RCDMallorcaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/hlnHbLvK45
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 5, 2023
Real Madrid News
Mourinho might reconsider stance on Real Madrid forward in January amid Liverpool, Milan interest
After coming back to Santiago Bernabeu with heaps of promise and an excellent loan spell at Lyon, Endrick’s season hasn’t really unfolded the way he was hoping for.
The Brazilian international’s progress has been slowed by injuries and a lack of game-time. The fact that Real Madrid have landed on a brilliant deal by signing Carlos Espi doesn’t help things either.
All of these factors have led to question marks over Endrick’s future, with AS Roma credited with interest in the forward in the upcoming January transfer window.
Mourinho may reconsider stance on Endrick
According to English commentator Feargal Brennan (h/t Defensa Central), Jose Mourinho could reconsider his position on Endrick’s future when the winter market opens.
The Brazilian was a genuine doubt to leave in the summer but ultimately stayed, largely because Mourinho was happy with his pre-season performances and blocked his exit.
However, that decision could yet be revisited if Endrick fails to earn regular minutes over the coming months.
As mentioned earlier, the situation is complicated further by the impact of Espi. The young Spaniard has hit the ground running, scoring a dramatic winner on his debut against Espanyol, and his form has left Endrick further down the pecking order in attack.
With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr firmly established as undisputed starters, and Espi now ahead of him too, opportunities look set to be scarce for the Brazilian.
Liverpool and Milan circling
Should Endrick decide to leave, he is unlikely to be short of suitors.
Brennan claims Liverpool remain open to taking the forward on loan, while AC Milan are also expected to enter the race, setting up potential competition for his signature.
A temporary move could suit all parties, allowing Endrick to gain the regular football his development requires.
The frustration for Endrick is that his season began at a disadvantage. Injuries disrupted his start to the campaign, and although he was named in the squad for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan, he did not feature.
For now, Mourinho wants to evaluate the Brazilian properly once he is fully fit, to determine whether he can be a useful option from the bench.
But if the minutes do not come, another loan move in January could become the most sensible solution for a player still desperate to succeed at Real Madrid.
