Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso will use final La Liga matches to evaluate Real Madrid squad
According to Mundo Deportivo, it has come to light that although Xabi Alonso has not taken charge yet, he has already started shaping his vision for Los Blancos by closely observing the final two league games against Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
With Carlo Ancelotti set to bid farewell to the Santiago Bernabeu following what has been another successful spell in charge, Alonso is using these closing fixtures not just as a fan or a future coach, but as a scout.
For him, these matches serve as a live audition, a unique opportunity to see players in action under competitive pressure before he formally assumes control. It is Real Madrid’s unofficial transition period, and every player is being watched.
Players under the spotlight
This is particularly significant for fringe players such as Endrick, Arda Guler, and Dani Ceballos. While they have had limited minutes under Ancelotti, they now have one final chance to impress the incoming boss.
Alonso is known for his tactical sharpness and appreciation of technical skill, qualities that these players will need to display if they hope to be part of his plans going forward.
On the other hand, players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde are expected to retain their key roles in the squad, regardless of who manages the team.
But even for them, there is no room for complacency. Alonso will want to see consistency, professionalism, and elite-level performance, even in games that appear to carry little weight in the standings.
Meanwhile, the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, who have seen their form dip in recent weeks, are also under the microscope.
Alonso, having watched from afar, will now seek subtle clues in their body language, positioning, and overall involvement, details only noticeable in the day-to-day rhythm of training and matchday routines.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
