Real Madrid captain returns to pre-season training after early World Cup elimination | OneFootball

Federico Valverde has officially returned to Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations after enjoying 24 days of vacation, becoming the latest World Cup international to rejoin José Mourinho’s squad.

Following Arda Guler, who reported back on Monday, the Uruguayan midfielder is the second returning international to resume training at Valdebebas.

Medical Clearance and First Training Session

Valverde began the day by completing his routine medical examinations, receiving clearance before taking part in his first training session under Mourinho.

His return increases the number of available first-team players to ten, although the squad continues to rely heavily on academy players while the remaining internationals complete their holidays.

Recovery after the World Cup

Uruguay’s disappointing World Cup campaign ended in the group stage after draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, along with a defeat to Spain.

Valverde began his break on June 28, following the club’s standard recovery programme.

The first week was dedicated to complete rest before gradually reintroducing individual training during the following weeks to maintain fitness without overloading the body ahead of preseason.

Mourinho’s squad Grows

After arriving at Valdebebas in his own vehicle early in the morning, Valverde completed his medical tests before joining the rest of the group on the training pitch.

Mourinho now has the following senior players available: Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras, Valverde, Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo Garcia.

The remainder of the training group continues to be made up of several academy prospects, a situation expected to continue until more internationals return.

A new responsibility

This season also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Valverde away from the pitch.

Following Dani Carvajal’s departure, the Uruguayan becomes Real Madrid’s first-team captain, making him the club’s primary on-field leader.

The updated captaincy order now places Vinicius Jr. as vice-captain, followed by Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo.

It is another major responsibility for one of the club’s most influential players as Mourinho begins building his new Real Madrid project.

Having endured a tough year, Valverde will be eager to bounce back strongly under the new management.