Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Atletico Madrid midfield ace a doubt for derby against Real Madrid
Real Madrid are in action later tonight as they take on Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.
Once that is out of the way, the Merengues will tackle two matches over the next week in the league before the first international break of the new season arrives.
The first of the two fixtures will see Real Madrid take on Elche before facing local rivals Atletico Madrid away at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano – a game that Jose Mourinho & co. will have circled in red.
Atletico Madrid set to miss a key player
Now, leading up to the Madrileno derby, Atletico Madrid have been dealt a major injury blow.
Key midfielder Pablo Barrios suffered an injury during the Rojiblancos’ UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool, leaving his participation in next week’s derby against Real Madrid in serious doubt, reports AS.
Pablo Barrios no estará disponible para San Sebastián.
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 12, 2026
El centrocampista acabó con molestias el encuentro ante el Liverpool y, tras las pruebas realizadas por los servicios médicos del club, se ha confirmado que sufre una lesión miofascial de bajo grado en la pierna derecha. pic.twitter.com/XQCWf0LP8j
The news is a blow for Diego Simeone and a boost for Real Madrid with just over a week to go before the contest at the Metropolitano.
Atletico confirmed that Pablo Barrios has suffered a low-grade myofascial injury to his right leg.
The midfielder finished the Champions League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield experiencing discomfort, and subsequent medical tests confirmed the injury.
Barrios will definitely miss Sunday’s La Liga match against Real Sociedad and is also expected to be unavailable for next week’s fixture against Osasuna.
The bigger concern is the derby on 20 September, as Barrios faces a race against time to recover for the visit of Real Madrid.
Atletico have not given a specific recovery timeline, stating only that his return will depend on how the injury develops. At present, however, the indications are not particularly encouraging.
A major blow for Simeone
Barrios’ potential absence would be a significant setback for Simeone. The midfielder has established himself as an important part of Atletico Madrid’s midfield.
Indeed, the 23-year-old Spaniard has started four out of Atleti’s five matches across all competitions in 2026/27 so far, even registering an assist in the process.
As such, his absence could be felt dearly by the Colchoneros in the derby.
Simeone does have alternatives, including Koke, Morten Hjulmand, Johnny Cardoso, Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas, but replacing Barrios would still be a major challenge for one of the most important fixtures of the season.
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.
