Real Madrid hesitant to rush return of key players despite fitness boost | OneFootball

According to a recent report from AS, several Real Madrid players nearing full fitness will not be rushed back into action and will have to wait until after the FIFA Club World Cup concludes.

While the likes of Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Eduardo Camavinga are close to receiving medical clearance, the club has decided to take a cautious approach and avoid any risk during the knockout phase of the tournament.

All three players have returned to training and are feeling strong, but the coaching staff and medical team agree it is not worth gambling their recovery in a high-stakes environment.

If Madrid were not deep in a short, intense competition like this one, Militao and Carvajal may have already made their return.

In fact, both were seen on the bench during the Juventus match, soaking in the atmosphere and inching closer to match readiness. Barring emergencies, their first minutes are now expected in August.

Alaba suffers setback, Mendy faces competition

David Alaba suffered relapse. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On the other hand, David Alaba’s situation has taken a turn for the worse, as the Austrian has suffered a muscle relapse.

The club is naturally concerned, though his absence does not alter manager Xabi Alonso’s plans drastically, as Alaba is currently considered the sixth-choice centre-back.

Meanwhile, Endrick’s recovery has taken a positive turn. He began his rehab in Valdebebas but joined the squad in the United States midway through the tournament, accelerating his return in hopes of being available if needed.

Ferland Mendy, however, did not travel with the squad. Although his absence was initially linked to fitness issues, there is a bigger problem – competition.

With Fran Garcia already ahead of him in the pecking order and Alvaro Carreras soon joining, Mendy may find it difficult to reclaim his place in the starting XI once fully fit.

For now, Real Madrid’s focus remains on finishing the Club World Cup campaign strong, with key reinforcements expected to be available only once the tournament wraps up.