Real Madrid forward following special fitness plan to reduce risk of physical problems | OneFootball

Endrick’s absence from Real Madrid’s trip to Germany has a simple explanation: the club is trying to keep him out of the treatment room.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian forward did not travel with the squad for the friendly against Schalke 04 because he is following an individual programme designed to reduce the risk of further physical problems.

Notably, it is important to note that the decision is not linked to a new injury.

What happened to Endrick?

Endrick experienced some muscle discomfort earlier in the week, something Real Madrid have acknowledged, but he has since recovered. 

Rather than immediately putting him back into a pre-season match, the club’s medical and technical staff have chosen a more cautious route.

Endrick has not travelled for the Schalke game. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

After seeing the squad hit by a long list of injuries in recent seasons, the club is placing greater emphasis on prevention and Endrick is one of the players currently being managed with that in mind.

As a result, the Brazilian is following a specific physical plan after recovering from the discomfort he felt during the week to make sure a minor issue does not develop into something more serious.

That is why he has been kept away from the Schalke friendly.

The decision also takes into account his recent fitness history. During his spell at Lyon, Endrick dealt with physical problems, and Real Madrid are keen to avoid a repeat of the stop-start periods that can affect his rhythm and availability.

With the competitive season about to begin, there is little sense in taking unnecessary risks during a friendly. 

Endrick is following a specialised plan. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

Simply put, Mourinho and his staff would rather have Endrick fully available for the matches that matter than push him through a pre-season fixture.

Endrick will be ready for Espanyol

The Schalke match is therefore not expected to affect Endrick’s availability for Real Madrid’s first La Liga fixture.

Barring any unexpected development, the Brazilian forward should be ready for the trip to Espanyol on August 22, when Mourinho’s side begin their domestic campaign.

That is the date Real Madrid are working towards.

Sure, pre-season friendlies can help players build rhythm, but the staff appear to believe Endrick will benefit more from continuing his individual programme than from taking part against Schalke.