Mourinho Returns to Real Madrid with Injury Challenges

A new Real Madrid season. A familiar name back on the bench. And a squad list that underlines just how bruised José Mourinho’s group already is before a ball has been kicked.

Real Madrid on Friday confirmed their travelling party for the opening fixture of the 2026/27 La Liga campaign away to RCD Espanyol, a game that will officially launch Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Los Blancos.

Mourinho’s new era, old problem

The Portuguese coach returns to a club he knows inside out, but his first week back has been dominated by medical reports rather than tactics boards. Rodrygo, Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio are all sidelined with long-term issues, stripping Madrid of key options at both ends of the pitch.

The damage does not stop there.

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Endrick have also been left out of the squad for the trip to the RCDE Stadium. Both have been nursing recent fitness problems and, with the season only just beginning, the decision has been taken not to risk either the midfielder or the young attacker on Saturday.

For a coach who thrives on control and structure, Mourinho starts this campaign juggling absences in every line of the team.

Academy doors swing open

Injuries often create opportunity, and Madrid’s academy has felt the knock.

Mario Rivas, Jorge Cestero and Alexis Ciria have all been handed call-ups, stepping into the senior matchday picture as part of the travelling group. Their inclusion offers Mourinho fresh energy and gives the club a glimpse of what might be coming next from Valdebebas.

It also sends a clear early message: this Real Madrid, under Mourinho again, will lean on its youth when the squad is stretched.

The names missing from the list will dominate the pre-match debate, but the story of Madrid’s season could just as easily be shaped by the kids now getting their first taste of the big stage in Barcelona.