Real Madrid prepare for their Sunday La Liga clash against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu with a depleted squad, as seven injured players sat out Saturday’s training session, according to club reports. Manager Jose Mourinho must navigate absentees across every area of the team following victories over Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Squad Absences Force Tactical Shifts Ahead of Malaga Clash
Real Madrid enter Sunday’s fixture missing a significant portion of their roster. According to Spanish radio station Cope journalist Arancha Rodriguez, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni remains sidelined with a muscular problem, though the technical staff is managing his return cautiously. “Mourinho explained it well a few days ago. Tchouameni wants to play now, but the technical staff prefer his full recovery,” Rodriguez stated.
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Alongside Tchouameni, the club’s injury list includes Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo, and Endrick. Sports Mole reports that Militao continues recovering from an April hamstring operation, while Asencio nurses a muscle injury expected to sideline him until mid-September. Rodrygo remains out with a severe knee injury that will keep him sidelined into early 2027, and Mendy deals with a thigh problem keeping him out long-term.
Did you know? Real Madrid sit at the top of the La Liga table on six points after two matches, following a 2-1 win against Espanyol and a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, according to Sports Mole.
Training Ground Updates and Expected Line-Ups
Despite the extensive injury list, some players are nearing a return. Militao and Endrick completed physical exercises and ball work on a pitch adjacent to the main training ground on Saturday.
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The projected midfield features Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, and Jude Bellingham. The attacking trio is expected to consist of Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior, while Yan Diomande is anticipated to begin on the bench after a similar substitute role against Real Sociedad.
Malaga’s Squad Challenges and Match Odds
Visitors Malaga face their own roster difficulties under manager Juan Funes. African Football reports that Malaga will travel without Fernando Calero, Diego Murillo, Aaron Ochoa, Moussa Diarra, and Adrian Nino.
Malaga’s forward line is anticipated to include Joaquin Munoz, Chupe, and David Larrubia. Malaga currently hold one point from their opening two league fixtures. Betting markets heavily favor the hosts, with 1xbet pricing a Real Madrid victory at 1.11, a draw at 9.00, and a Malaga win at 21.00, according to African Football data.
Pro Tip: Monitor club injury updates closely before matchday, as minor doubts like Tchouameni and Endrick could make late returns to the matchday squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Real Madrid vs. Malaga match?
The La Liga match takes place on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Which Real Madrid players are injured?
According to club and media reports, the absentees include Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo, and Endrick.
What is Malaga’s record heading into the fixture?
Malaga has earned one point from their opening two matches of the La Liga season.
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