Tchouaméni makes Real Madrid squad for Inter as Thiago and Endrick return
Aurélien Tchouaméni has made Real Madrid’s squad to face Inter, with José Mourinho also welcoming back Thiago Pitarch and Endrick.
Real Madrid have announced their squad for the Champions League opener against Inter Milan, with Aurélien Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all included after recently returning to team training.
Tchouaméni’s presence is the most significant update. The French midfielder had only just resumed full work with the group and remained a doubt until the squad was officially released. José Mourinho has now decided that he is fit enough to be involved at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
AN IMPORTANT OPTION FOR MOURINHO
Being selected does not guarantee Tchouaméni a place in the starting eleven. Reports in Spain indicated that Real Madrid’s medical staff were determined to manage his return carefully and avoid any unnecessary risk of a setback.
His availability is still a welcome boost. Madrid will face Inter without the suspended Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva, leaving Mourinho short of established midfield options. Even if Tchouaméni begins on the bench, his presence gives the coach more room to react during the match.
THIAGO AND ENDRICK COMPLETE THEIR RETURNS
Thiago Pitarch has also been called up after recovering from a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee. The young midfielder is unlikely to be ready for a heavy workload immediately, but his inclusion marks an important step after several weeks on the sidelines.
Endrick returns following a muscular problem. His minutes may also be managed, with Madrid having no reason to rush him back into a full match. Mourinho nevertheless enters the opening night of the Champions League with three more options than initially expected.
