Real Madrid resumed training at Valdebebas on Monday as José Mourinho’s squad continued their preparations for Wednesday’s Teresa Herrera Trophy clash against Deportivo La Coruña.The session followed Madrid’s friendly victory over Ferencvaros and featured several new additions to Mourinho’s squad.AdvertisementMarc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konaté completed their initial training session as Real Madrid players, while Kylian Mbappé rejoined the team after participating in the World Cup.Ousmane Diomande and Thibaut Courtois also joined the group after training individually in recent days. Diomande spent his initial days at Real Madrid City training separately after finalizing his move from RB Leipzig last week, marking Monday as his first chance to train with his new teammates.Aurélien Tchouaméni also began his preseason work on Monday, although the French midfielder underwent indoor training.The players who logged the most minutes in the victory over Ferencvaros were assigned recovery sessions as Mourinho and his staff continue to monitor workloads during preseason.AdvertisementRaúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo remain unavailable and continued their individual recovery programs.Monday’s session represents another step toward Mourinho assembling his full squad following a staggered preseason due to the World Cup. Jude Bellingham has not yet rejoined and is expected to return to Valdebebas on Tuesday or Wednesday.The returning international players are not anticipated to be immediately deployed. Cucurella, Konaté, Mbappé and Tchouaméni are reportedly not set to travel for Wednesday’s friendly against Deportivo, with the club instead implementing personalized programs aimed at building their fitness ahead of La Liga’s start.A more feasible opportunity for their first preseason appearances might come against Schalke 04 next Sunday.AdvertisementFor Diomande, however, Monday signified the start of his integration into Mourinho’s squad after a prolonged transfer process. The Ivorian winger, a standout performer at the World Cup, had previously completed individual sessions at Valdebebas following his arrival in Madrid but can now begin preparing with his new teammates.Real Madrid will face Deportivo at the Riazor on Wednesday at 9 p.m. local time in the Teresa Herrera Trophy, before continuing preparations for their La Liga opener against Espanyol on August 22.
Integration of New Signings and Returning Stars
The Monday session marked a significant transition for Ousmane Diomande, who had been training individually since his move from RB Leipzig last week. The Ivorian winger, noted for his performance at the World Cup, joined his teammates for the first time on the pitch, according to team updates. Alongside him, Thibaut Courtois resumed group training after a period of individual work.
Real Madrid recently finalized the acquisition of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for a total package of €60 million, as reported by The Athletic. The deal includes a €55 million fixed fee with €5 million in performance-based add-ons. The 27-year-old Spanish international has signed a six-year contract, committing to the club through 2032. The Athletic notes that while other clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, expressed interest, the move to the Santiago Bernabéu serves as a return to Spain for the defender.
Preseason Fitness and Injury Management
Mourinho’s staff is managing a complex recovery schedule as the squad rounds into form for the La Liga season. Aurélien Tchouaméni began his preseason work on Monday but performed his training session indoors. Meanwhile, players who logged heavy minutes during the recent friendly victory over Ferencvaros participated in a recovery session to manage physical workloads.
Several players remain sidelined as they continue individual recovery programs. According to club communications, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, and Rodrygo are currently unavailable for group sessions. Jude Bellingham is the final piece of the puzzle yet to rejoin the squad, with his arrival at Valdebebas expected between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Squad Availability for Teresa Herrera Trophy
Despite the influx of talent, the club is prioritizing long-term fitness over immediate participation in the upcoming friendly. Sources indicate that Cucurella, Konaté, Mbappé, and Tchouaméni are unlikely to travel to the Riazor for Wednesday’s 9 p.m. match against Deportivo La Coruña. Instead, these players are expected to follow individual conditioning programs to prepare for the La Liga opener against Espanyol on August 22.
A potential debut for the new signings could occur during the club’s friendly against Schalke 04 next Sunday. This cautious approach follows a summer of significant roster movement, with The Athletic reporting that Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté were part of a planned defensive overhaul alongside the signing of Cucurella.
Did you know?
Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Real Madrid marks the end of a three-year stint at Chelsea, where he made 150 appearances and secured both the Conference League and Club World Cup titles in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Real Madrid’s first La Liga match?
Real Madrid is scheduled to face Espanyol for their La Liga opener on August 22.
Are the new signings expected to play against Deportivo La Coruña?
No, the club is reportedly focusing on individual fitness programs for players like Cucurella, Konaté, and Mbappé, making them unlikely to feature in Wednesday’s friendly.
Which players are currently following recovery programs?
Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, and Rodrygo are currently unavailable for group training while they undergo recovery protocols.
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