Real Madrid Prepares for Malaga Match with Key Absentees

Real Madrid’s final session before facing Malaga came with a noticeable absentee list and a clear message: no risks.

Several key names missed Saturday’s training at Valdebebas as Carlo Ancelotti’s squad tuned up for Sunday’s La Liga third-round clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo and Endrick all sat out the main group work, continuing their recovery plans away from the core drills.

The picture wasn’t entirely gloomy. Militao and Endrick stepped onto an adjacent pitch, pushing through a mix of physical conditioning and ball work. No contact, no full-intensity duels, but enough to suggest the road back is shortening. Their session, separated from the rest, underlined the club’s approach: controlled progression, no shortcuts.

Tchouameni’s Situation

Tchouameni’s situation drew particular attention. Spanish radio journalist Arancha Rodriguez, speaking on Cope, underlined the club’s stance: “Mourinho explained it well a few days ago. Tchouameni wants to play now, but the technical staff prefer his full recovery. I would also like to remind that he renewed his contract at the beginning of the summer.” The French midfielder is pushing to return, but the message from the bench and medical staff is firm. Not yet.

It leaves Ancelotti preparing for Malaga without a cluster of options, but with momentum firmly on his side. Real Madrid have opened their league campaign with authority, edging Espanyol 2-1 before dismantling Real Sociedad 4-1. Six points, six goals, and the Bernabeu ready for its first big roar of this La Liga season.

Malaga arrive on Sunday to face a side not at full strength, but already in full stride.