Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder set to return vs Inter Milan, goalkeeper a doubt after missing training
After suffering their first defeat of the season over the weekend, Real Madrid are back in action tomorrow as they face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
The Merengues will be eager to get back to winning ways after the loss to Real Betis in La Liga, but beating the Serie A champions will be anything but easy.
Even more so considering that, manager Jose Mourinho has some key players missing through injuries and suspension.
Tchouameni back
But in a boost for Real Madrid, according to AS, there are encouraging signs in Aurelien Tchouameni’s recovery.
The midfielder has trained with the group for a second successive day, increasing his chances of being included in the squad to face Inter.
Tchouameni worked without any bandages and showed no signs of discomfort, suggesting that his previous problems have disappeared.
The priority now is to manage his return carefully and avoid bringing him back too quickly and risking a setback. As such, he is still very unlikely to start, but his chances of making the squad have increased significantly.
Tchouameni still needs time to rebuild his competitive rhythm, meaning his return is more likely to come gradually.
Thiago and Endrick also make progress
Thiago Pitarch and Endrick also trained with the group for a second consecutive day, further strengthening their chances of being included in Mourinho’s squad.
Neither is expected to start against Inter, but both have a strong chance of making the bench.
Real Madrid are encouraged by the progress of all three players, but there is no desire to rush their returns.
Lunin misses training with flu
Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin did not train on Tuesday because of a bout of flu and will be assessed before the squad is announced.
If he is not cleared, Sergio Mestre is expected to provide the goalkeeping cover behind Thibaut Courtois and Javi Navarro.
Mourinho knows he will be without four players for the Champions League meeting with Inter.
Raul Asencio still has a few weeks remaining before his return. Eder Militao is expected to be sidelined for around another month, while Ferland Mendy, who was recently left out of Real Madrid’s Champions League squad, is not expected back until at least after Christmas.
Rodrygo’s return is also expected around January.
Real Madrid will reinforce the squad with two academy players, Mario Rivas and Jorge Cestero. Sergio Martinez was not involved in the session, although that does not completely rule out his inclusion in the squad.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
