Real Madrid News
Three Real Madrid stars return to team training ahead of Inter Milan clash
Real Madrid have received a major triple fitness boost ahead of their Champions League meeting with Inter Milan.
Training photos showed that Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick had all returned to team training under Jose Mourinho.
The timing could hardly be better for Mourinho, who was running out of options in midfield for the Champions League game.
Madrid are preparing for an important European test after suffering their first defeat of the season against Real Betis.
Tchouameni’s return particularly important
Tchouameni’s recovery is arguably the biggest development.
The French midfielder had been dealing with groin discomfort, with Madrid determined not to take unnecessary risks over his return.
Mourinho values his physical presence and ability to provide balance in midfield, qualities that could become particularly useful against Inter.
His return to group work does not automatically guarantee a starting place, especially after a period on the sidelines.
However, under the circumstances, having the Frenchman available even as a bench option will be extremely valuable.
Thiago Pitarch has also returned to training, providing another option in an area where Mourinho has had to manage several absences.
Endrick gives Mourinho another attacking option
Endrick’s return to group training is also good news.
The Brazilian has faced increased competition for opportunities this season, but returning to full training gives him the chance to start rebuilding his place in Mourinho’s plans.
Madrid’s defeat to Betis also showed why attacking depth matters. Carlos Espi provided an immediate threat from the bench and had a spectacular equaliser ruled out.
Endrick is likely to compete with the Spaniard for a bench role, and he will want to catch up with his team-mate after losing ground.
For Mourinho, the priority will be deciding how much each returning player can realistically contribute rather than rushing them straight back into significant minutes.
The Inter match is also one that is likely to be played at a high intensity, and throwing returning players in at the deep end may not be wise.
Still, getting Tchouameni, Pitarch and Endrick back into team training at the same time is excellent news.
It remains to be seen what plans Jose Mourinho has for them and how he uses the players in the coming weeks.
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.
