Endrick, Real Madrid player
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Endrick’s chances of featuring in Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol appear to be fading after the Brazilian forward reportedly missed another training session with the squad.
According to a recent update from Ruben Martin, the 20-year-old is still working his way back towards full fitness and was once again absent from group training.
The Brazilian’s future has been one of the major talking points around the club in recent weeks, but his immediate concern is fitness.
Endrick had hoped to recover in time for Mourinho’s first competitive match of the season, although his continued absence from full training makes his involvement increasingly unlikely.
Muscle problem began before Schalke match
The issue first emerged during Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations ahead of the friendly against Schalke.
Endrick suffered muscle overload and was subsequently left out of the squad for the match against the German side.
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Endrick has missed another training session. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
At the time, there was hope that the problem would not keep him out for long and that he could return in time for the Espanyol vs Real Madrid clash.
The exact timing of the physical issue was initially unclear, but the club has since taken a cautious approach with the young forward.
Endrick experienced muscle discomfort during the previous week, which forced him to miss group training.
Although the problem was not viewed as a major new injury and he was later said to have recovered, Real Madrid did not immediately push him back into match action.
Instead, the Brazilian was placed on an individual programme designed to manage his workload and reduce the risk of further physical problems.
The decision was therefore more about protecting the player than reacting to a serious setback.
Endrick of Real Madrid
Endrick is doubtful for Espanyol clash. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
However, his latest absence from group training suggests that his recovery is taking longer than initially hoped.
Real Madrid prioritising Endrick’s recovery
With the Espanyol match approaching, Real Madrid appear unwilling to take unnecessary risks.
Endrick is still a young player, and rushing him back after a period of muscle discomfort could create a bigger problem later in the season.
The club’s medical and technical staff have therefore focused on getting him fully ready rather than simply forcing him to reach match fitness for the opening fixture.
That cautious approach now makes it difficult to imagine the Brazilian starting against Espanyol.
Even a place in the squad could be in doubt if he does not return to full training before Mourinho finalises his plans.
Martín Zubimendi of Arsenal
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Real Madrid may have already made six signings this summer, but it looks like they could look at a couple more positions in the coming weeks.
Los Blancos are said to be eyeing a new midfielder and a central defender, but further signings will strictly be dependent on sales.
Real Madrid have spent significantly in the market, and Jose Mourinho has an overcrowded squad situation that he is working with.
In recent days, one midfield target whose name has returned to the table is Arsenal midfield star Martin Zubimendi.
However, according to MARCA, Los Blancos have denied that the Spaniard is a target in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Real Madrid are no strangers to Zubimendi links
Zubimendi has been mentioned as a possible solution for Real Madrid’s midfield after the club missed out on Rodri.
Martín Zubimendi of Arsenal
Not in Real Madrid’s plans. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old is admired for his ability to control possession, dictate tempo and play as a deep midfielder, but Madrid do not appear prepared to explore a deal.
This is pretty much in line with what has been said all summer, with Zubimendi being discussed as an option but nothing more.
Arsenal would have little reason to make Zubimendi available cheaply after investing heavily to sign him, meaning any attempt to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu would require a significant financial commitment.
It has also been just a season since he moved to north London, where Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival could take some game time away from him.
Real Madrid have also been careful about adding another midfielder simply for the sake of filling a perceived gap.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
No plans to sign a new midfielder for now. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Mourinho already has Fede Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler among his options, while Thiago Pitarch is also expected to remain close to the first team.
Zubimendi likely to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal have just won the Premier League and reached the final of the Champions League, and it would be a huge surprise to see Zubimendi leave after just one season.
The Spaniard had an excellent start last season but struggled towards the end. Regardless, he continues to be an important option for Mikel Arteta.
For Real Madrid to consider a move for Zubimendi, it has to be a deal too good to turn down and, unfortunately, that is not the case with Arsenal.
Los Blancos may be focused on bringing in a new midfielder in the coming weeks, but it seems unlikely that it will be the Gunners man.
It remains to be seen how the Spanish giants navigate these tricky last few weeks in the transfer window and whether they turn to other options.