Mourinho plans to start Real Madrid’s star trio against Elche

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are all set to start against Elche in LaLiga on Wednesday, despite their demanding schedule.

The three players were among those who returned late after extended international campaigns at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. However, Mourinho has started them in all six of Real Madrid’s matches in 2026/27 and expects them to feature again at Elche before the weekend derby against Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a ruthless 4-1 home victory over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend.

The France forward has now scored seven goals in all competitions this season. Bellingham has contributed to five goals, while Vinicius Junior has been involved in four.

Mourinho said he was prepared to select all three players again if their physical condition remained normal.

“If I can start all of them again tomorrow, I will. I have a lot of trust in how every player feels about his body and what he tells me,” he said.

“I read data, and I speak to the players and the medical staff to decide.

“But if there's nothing abnormal, I'll start them tomorrow. And there's no doubt they'll start in the derby.”