Real Madrid Prepares for Malaga Match with Injury Concerns

Real Madrid’s final tune‑up before Malaga’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu came with a notable list of absentees.

On Saturday, as the squad sharpened up for Sunday’s third-round La Liga clash, several injured players were missing from the main group: Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo and Endrick all sat out the collective session.

The training ground was still busy. Just not in the usual way.

Militao and Endrick worked separately on an adjacent pitch, pushing through a tailored programme. They started with physical drills, then moved into ball work, a clear sign both are edging closer to a return even if they are not yet ready to rejoin full training.

All seven players continue with their individual recovery plans as the medical and technical staff look to manage workloads early in the season.

Tchouameni’s Situation

Tchouameni’s situation drew particular attention. Spanish radio journalist Arancha Rodriguez, speaking on Cope, relayed the stance around the French midfielder’s absence: “Mourinho explained it well a few days ago. Tchouameni wants to play now, but the technical staff prefer his full recovery. I would also like to remind that he renewed his contract at the beginning of the summer.”

The message is clear: no risks, not even with a key piece of the midfield who is desperate to be back on the pitch.

Real Madrid head into the Malaga game with momentum on their side. They opened the league campaign by beating Espanyol 2-1, then raised the tempo with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad. Six points from six, goals flowing, and now a home fixture at the Bernabeu.

Injuries may nibble at the depth, but the standard at Madrid is unforgiving. With Malaga next through the doors of the Bernabeu, the expectation does not change.