Asencio and Endrick return as Mourinho regains more options

José Mourinho will have a deeper Real Madrid squad available for the home game against Rayo Vallecano. Raúl Asencio has returned after recovering from the injury he suffered during pre-season, while Endrick remains available as he waits for his first competitive minutes of the campaign.

ASENCIO RETURNS AFTER PRE-SEASON INJURY

Asencio missed the opening weeks of the season because of a rectus femoris injury. The centre-back was unavailable for Madrid’s first four La Liga fixtures and also sat out the 2–1 Champions League victory over Inter.

After completing two full sessions with the group, Asencio received the medical and sporting approval needed to return to the matchday squad. His inclusion does not guarantee an immediate place in the starting eleven, but it gives Mourinho another natural option in central defence.

The Madrid coach previously praised Asencio’s work in training while reminding him of the responsibilities that come with representing the club. The defender can now begin rebuilding his position through his performances on the pitch.

ENDRICK IS STILL WAITING FOR HIS SEASON DEBUT

Endrick’s situation is slightly different. The Brazilian returned to first-team training before the Inter game and was named among the substitutes for the Champions League fixture. He did not come off the bench during Madrid’s 2–1 win, however, and is still waiting for his first appearance of the season.

Mourinho has made it clear that the striker will be reintroduced carefully after his muscular injury. Endrick is therefore unlikely to be rushed into the starting line-up against Rayo, but his availability gives the coach an additional attacking option.

Carlos Espí has used Endrick’s absence to establish himself as the immediate alternative to Kylian Mbappé. The Brazilian will have to earn his minutes, but he is finally fit enough to compete for them again.

MOURINHO HAS A DEEPER SQUAD

Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva are also back after missing the Inter match through suspension. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Thiago Pitarch are available as well, significantly increasing the number of choices in midfield.

Real Madrid face three games in nine days, and Mourinho has already suggested that rotation will be necessary. Asencio strengthens the defensive options, while Endrick offers a different profile in attack. Neither player has to be rushed, which is precisely the benefit of having a stronger bench.

Madrid host Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. After losing 1–0 to Real Betis in La Liga and responding with a 2–1 Champions League victory over Inter, Mourinho’s team now have an opportunity to get back to winning ways in the league.