Mourinho receives timely reinforcements as three players return before Inter

Real Madrid’s squad situation has improved ahead of their Champions League opener against Inter. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all returned to team training on Sunday, as confirmed by the club.

Their participation in the session does not guarantee that they will be included in Tuesday’s matchday squad. Even so, the return of three players provides José Mourinho with welcome options at a time when his midfield is particularly short.

THREE PLAYERS REJOIN THE GROUP

Madrid began preparations for Inter following their league defeat against Real Betis. The players who started in Seville completed specific recovery work, while the rest of the squad focused on tactical drills, pressing and ball progression before playing a series of small-sided games.

Tchouaméni, Thiago and Endrick trained alongside their teammates. Before the Betis fixture, all three had still been following individual recovery programmes.

It is a meaningful step forward. Madrid remain without several players, but Mourinho’s list of possible solutions has finally started to grow rather than shrink.

TCHOUAMÉNI REMAINS A MAJOR DOUBT

Tchouaméni’s recovery would be especially important because Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are suspended for the Inter match. According to “AS”, Federico Valverde is currently the only natural midfielder certain to be available.

The Frenchman completed Sunday’s work with the group without suffering a setback. However, his participation on Tuesday has not been confirmed. “AS” reports that a place in the squad against Inter remains unlikely, with a return in Madrid’s next league fixture considered more realistic.

The club have little reason to rush him. Tchouaméni has not played a competitive minute this season, and one full session is not the same as being ready for the intensity of a Champions League match.

THIAGO AND ENDRICK PUSH FOR SQUAD PLACES

Thiago and Endrick appear to have a stronger chance of making the bench. “AS” reports that neither is expected to start, but both could be included if they respond well to the increased workload.

Thiago is not considered ready to play the entire match. His availability would still give Mourinho another genuine midfield option and could allow Jude Bellingham to remain closer to the penalty area instead of being moved into a deeper emergency role.

Endrick’s return would strengthen the attacking options. The Brazilian completed the session normally, although his availability will also depend on how his body reacts in the hours following training.

MADRID WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION LATER

Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio continue with their respective recovery programmes. Real Madrid’s official update made a clear distinction between those who had returned to team work and the players still training individually.

Madrid will complete their final session before the Inter fixture on Monday. Mourinho is then expected to provide a further fitness update during his pre-match press conference.

For now, the only confirmed development is that Tchouaméni, Thiago and Endrick have rejoined the group. Their match availability remains undecided, but the timing of their return gives Mourinho more room to prepare for a demanding European opener at the Bernabéu.