Real Madrid 26-year-old star has been playing through significant muscle discomfort this season | OneFootball

Real Madrid fans have been left wondering why Brahim Diaz has suddenly disappeared from Jose Mourinho’s plans, particularly after the midfielder produced one of his best performances of the season against Inter Milan.

According to AS, the explanation is physical rather than tactical, as Brahim has been dealing with significant muscle discomfort for several weeks and has continued making himself available despite not being fully comfortable.

The Moroccan was already feeling the issue before the Champions League opener against Inter, but chose to push through it to help the team.

Brahim played through the pain against Inter

His decision paid off on the night, as Brahim was one of Real Madrid’s most influential attacking players against Inter, creating the opening goal for Kylian Mbappe before producing another excellent piece of play for what should have been the third.

Jude Bellingham was unable to finish the move after stumbling, but Brahim’s contribution was clear and helped underline why Mourinho values him.

Notably, his minutes have changed dramatically since that performance, though. 

Brahim Diaz has been playing through discomfort. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Brahim did not play against Rayo Vallecano, came on in the 68th minute against Elche and was left on the bench throughout the derby against Atletico Madrid.

Across those three matches, he has managed just 22 minutes.

That pattern naturally raised questions, with many wondering why a player who had impressed so strongly against Inter was suddenly receiving so little football.

Brahim is playing despite muscle discomfort

AS’ explanation is that Brahim’s reduced involvement is linked to the muscle problem rather than a loss of confidence from Mourinho.

The midfielder remains available, but only because he is continuing to push himself despite the discomfort. 

The issue is understood to have started several matches ago and has remained a burden in his day-to-day training and playing routine.

Brahim Diaz is not entirely fit. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Brahim’s decision certainly shows his desire to contribute during the early stages of Mourinho’s project, but stretching himself will result in long-term damage.

That helps explain the unusual pattern surrounding his minutes. Brahim has only played consecutive matches once this season, when he featured against Real Sociedad and Malaga.

Despite Mourinho’s confidence in him and several positive performances, Brahim has accumulated only 178 minutes so far this campaign.

Understandably, for Real Madrid, the priority will be ensuring the problem does not become more serious. 

He has shown that he is willing to sacrifice for the team, but his limited involvement suggests Mourinho is having to balance that commitment with the midfielder’s physical condition.