Real Madrid hand fitness boost as three return to first-team work

Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick and Thiago Pitarch have returned to Real Madrid’s first-team training group ahead of their Champions League meeting with Inter, according to COPE.

The trio were involved with the rest of the squad as preparations continued for the match on 8 September. Their return represents a positive development for Real Madrid, who had been without all seven players in group training several days earlier.

Endrick and Thiago Pitarch could now be included in the matchday squad against Inter because of the progress they have made in their recoveries, the report says.

The two forwards have been working towards a return alongside midfielder Tchouameni, who has also resumed training with the senior group. Their availability will be assessed before the Champions League fixture, with the final decision on selection still to be made.

Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Raul Asencio remain in recovery and have not yet rejoined the main training group. The four players continue to follow their individual rehabilitation programmes as they work towards returning to full fitness.

All seven players trained separately a few days ago, when Real Madrid were preparing for their La Liga match against Real Betis. That game ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Madrid side.

The latest update means three of the seven players have now moved back into collective training, while Mendy, Militao, Rodrygo and Asencio remain apart from the squad.

Real Madrid will hope the progress made by Endrick and Pitarch is sufficient for them to be considered for the Inter game. Their possible inclusion would give the club additional attacking options, although COPE reports only that they could make the squad rather than confirming their participation.

Tchouameni’s return to group work also provides Real Madrid with further cover in midfield before the European fixture. However, the club still have four players continuing their recoveries ahead of the match.

The Inter fixture is scheduled for 8 September, and Real Madrid’s preparations will continue with the fitness of the returning players being monitored.