Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick return to training before Real Madrid-Inter in the Champions League

Real Madrid began moving on from their league defeat against Betis with a Sunday session at Valdebebas focused on the Champions League opener against Inter Milan. The main positive for Mourinho was seeing Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick train with the rest of the squad without any apparent issues, putting them in a strong position to make the matchday list.

Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick set for the squad against Inter

The three players completed the session with total normality and put their recent spells on the sidelines behind them. Both Tchouaméni and Thiago Pitarch have been out of action for more than a month, so a starting role still looks unlikely despite being passed fit: they need to build up match rhythm before being thrown into a contest of this magnitude.

Endrick also trained at the same pace as his teammates and could be included in a Champions League squad for the first time since joining Real Madrid. His role, however, is expected to be a secondary one at San Siro, a stage where Mourinho rarely hands opportunities to players who have not been competing regularly.

Cucurella ready to face Inter despite recent discomfort

Marc Cucurella raised concerns during the match against Betis due to muscular discomfort, but the tests and Sunday's work cleared up any doubts. The full-back has become a key piece in Mourinho's plans and will be available for the European fixture if the Portuguese coach decides to use him.

His involvement becomes even more valuable given that Ferland Mendy remains injured. Without the Frenchman, Cucurella is the most reliable option on the left side for such a demanding game.

What is at stake for Real Madrid in their Champions League opener

The European opener comes at a delicate moment for the Spanish giants. The loss to Betis ended a positive run and brought doubts back into a dressing room that needs to rediscover victory in order to face the new competition format with confidence.

Inter are one of the toughest opponents on the league-phase calendar. Taking points in Milan would have a double effect: strengthening their position in the table and, above all, restoring belief in a team that cannot afford another setback during such a demanding week.

Injuries that complicate Mourinho's plan

Mourinho must rebuild his defence without Asencio, Militao and Mendy, all three injured and ruled out of the Champions League match. Militao's absence forces a reshuffle in the heart of the back line, while losing Asencio removes a young option who had been gaining a place in recent squads.

In attack, Rodrygo will also miss out. The Brazilian remains outside the manager's immediate plans, leaving the attacking minutes to be shared among the fit players who do make the list.

Tactical and physical work as Real Madrid return to Valdebebas

Sunday's session combined tactical exercises with physical work, the first step in preparing for a match that requires a clear plan. The coaching staff want to fine-tune pressing and build-up play against an Inter side that thrives in transition.

Victory is the only way to rebuild confidence: Real Madrid are working on a tactical and physically demanding plan at Valdebebas to overcome Inter.

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