RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesBoost for Mourinho as two more Real Madrid stars join pre-season training
Real Madrid received another boost on Tuesday as Endrick and Antonio Rudiger returned to training under Jose Mourinho following their involvement at the FIFA World Cup.
The Brazilian and German internationals are the latest players to rejoin the squad after the club’s second pre-season friendly, a convincing 4-1 victory over Leganes.
They join Arda Guler, Federico Valverde and new signing Denzel Dumfries, who had already resumed training.
Both Endrick and Rudiger underwent the customary medical examinations before joining Mourinho’s training sessions.
More competition for Rudiger
Rudiger finished the World Cup as an important player for Germany after Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury opened the door for him to become a regular starter.
The knee issues that affected him previously have now been resolved following specialist treatment in London, and he is expected to play a key role in Mourinho’s plans this season.
Although Konate has been signed with the intention of becoming a first-choice defender, Rudiger is expected to compete for the other starting centre-back position alongside Dean Huijsen.
Endrick returns determined to impress
Endrick’s situation also appears to have become clearer. The Brazilian spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympique Lyon after then-manager Xabi Alonso preferred Gonzalo Garcia ahead of him, prompting the temporary move.
The loan move proved beneficial for the young forward. His performances in France earned him a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup.
Key weeks ahead for Endrick. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Gonzalo is now tipped to join Fulham , which could improve Endrick’s chances of securing a place in Mourinho’s squad.
Gradual return to match fitness
Mourinho is expected to ease both players back into action, and as such, it could be too early for either to travel to Austria for Real Madrid’s upcoming friendly against Fiorentina.
Instead, the duo could be expected to be available for the match against Ferencvaros in Hungary on 8 August.
Meanwhile, the next group of returning internationals is expected to include Vinicius Jr., Brahim Diaz, Thibaut Courtois and Bernardo Silva.
Those who reached the latter stages of the World Cup, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe, Konate and Marc Cucurella, are scheduled to return during the second week of August.
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