Some genuinely welcome news arrived at Valdebebas on Sunday as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all rejoined group training, according to a report from Managing Madrid. The timing could not be more relevant — Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign kicks off against Inter Milan next Tuesday, and José Mourinho is already working with a significantly depleted squad heading into that opener.
What Happened
All three players had been absent for more than a month of preseason preparation before Sunday’s session, meaning their return to the group is very much the first step in a process rather than the finish line. The source is clear on that point: none of the trio should be considered a nailed-on starter against Inter. Instead, the coming days will be about building fitness, sharpening their sharpness, and getting comfortable with Mourinho’s methods after an extended spell on the sidelines.
The backdrop to their return makes it all the more significant. Managing Madrid also reports that Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva are all unavailable for the Inter fixture through suspension — three players who would ordinarily feature heavily in Mourinho’s midfield and attacking plans. That’s a brutal combination of absentees to deal with heading into a Champions League opener, and it gives Sunday’s training update genuine weight even if the players involved are returning from long lay-offs.
Tchouaméni’s comeback is the headline piece of that trio from a tactical standpoint. With Camavinga suspended, the French midfielder’s ability to sit and protect the backline is exactly the kind of profile Mourinho will be hunting for in his squad selection. Whether Tchouaméni has done enough in training to force his way into the matchday squad — let alone the starting eleven — remains to be seen, but his availability at least gives the coaching staff something to work with.
What It Means for Real Madrid
Let’s be honest about the situation: Real Madrid were already in a difficult spot before Sunday’s news. The loss to Real Betis in La Liga stung, and heading into a heavyweight European fixture against Inter Milan with key midfielders suspended is far from ideal. Mourinho has never been a manager who shies away from pragmatic solutions when his options are limited — and right now, limited is the word.
The return of Tchouaméni, Endrick and Pitarch does not solve those problems overnight, but it does expand the pool Mourinho can pick from. Depth matters in a long European campaign, and having players who can at minimum fill a bench role — even if they’re not yet ready to start — gives the squad slightly more flexibility. For a manager who often builds from a solid defensive structure, having Tchouaméni available in some capacity in the engine room is a meaningful development.
Endrick’s return will also catch the eye of the supporters. The young Brazilian has enormous potential and a fanbase that is fiercely invested in his development. Any minutes he can get, even in a cup or rotation context as he builds back to full fitness, will be eagerly watched. Pitarch, less established at first-team level, adds training options and long-term squad depth as Mourinho looks to integrate all available bodies into his system.
From a broader season perspective, this is the kind of early-campaign moment that can define a title or trophy run. Getting key players fit, integrated and firing before the autumn schedule really bites is crucial. Champions League group stages can be unforgiving if you drop points early, and Mourinho will know better than anyone that a home loss or draw in the opener can create unnecessary pressure down the line.
What’s Next
The next few days of training will tell us a great deal. If Tchouaméni responds well to the sessions and shows Mourinho’s staff that he can handle 60 or 90 minutes at this level, expect him to at least make the matchday squad for Tuesday. The same question applies to Endrick and Pitarch, though their routes to involvement may be more limited given their profiles and the specific suspension issues affecting this fixture.
Keep an eye on the official squad announcement and any pre-match press conference comments from Mourinho, which will give the clearest signal of how close each returning player is to competitive action. For now, the news is cautiously positive — three players back, a big game on the horizon, and a manager with plenty of decisions to make before Tuesday night at the Bernabéu.
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For official club updates, visit Real Madrid’s official website.
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