Real Madrid Gets Players Back Ahead of Champions League Opener

All three players took part in Sunday’s training session at Real Madrid City, the team’s first session focused on preparing for Tuesday’s match against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The news comes at an important moment for a Real Madrid side that needs greater depth in its squad and, above all, a response following its defeat to Real Betis in LaLiga.

Tchouaméni and Endrick Return to Group Training

One of the biggest developments was the return of Tchouaméni. The French midfielder trained alongside his teammates again after spending several weeks on the sidelines, providing a significant boost for Mourinho, especially given the challenges he faces in putting together his midfield for the European opener.

However, his availability against Inter Milan will still need to be managed carefully. After several weeks without competitive action, the coaching staff must decide whether the Frenchman is ready to return immediately to the matchday squad or needs more time to regain his rhythm.

Endrick also returned to group training. The Brazilian forward continues to make progress following his physical problems and once again becomes an attacking option ahead of a demanding run of fixtures over the coming weeks.

The third player to rejoin the group was Thiago Pitarch. The academy product trained with the first team again, giving Mourinho another option at a time when every available player could prove important.

Mourinho Still Has Important Absences

The positive news does not mean the Real Madrid treatment room is completely empty.

Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio are continuing their respective recovery programs and have yet to return to full training with their teammates.

The situation means Mourinho will have to carefully manage his resources, especially considering that the schedule will offer the Spanish giants very little rest over the next two weeks.

That is why gradually recovering Tchouaméni, Endrick and Thiago could provide an important boost beyond Tuesday’s match.

Champions League Opens a Demanding Run of Fixtures

The first major challenge will be Inter Milan. Real Madrid will host the Italian side on Tuesday, September 8, at 9:00 p.m. local time at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 1 of the league phase of the 2026-27 Champions League.

There will not be much time to rest afterward.

On Saturday, September 12, Real Madrid will return to the Bernabéu to host Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga. Just three days later, the team will travel to face Elche at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

And the schedule still has another huge test in store: the Madrid Derby against Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday, September 20.

Four matches in just 13 days that could begin to shape the direction of Mourinho’s team at this early stage of the season.

That is why, regardless of whether they are immediately available against Inter, getting players back is probably the best news Real Madrid could have received before beginning its European campaign.

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