Real Madrid forward missed group training ahead of Schalke clash

Real Madrid forward Endrick did not train with the rest of the squad on Friday.

According to an update from Rubén Martín of AS, Endrick worked inside the facilities at Valdebebas rather than taking part in the group session. 

At this stage, there is no further information regarding a possible injury or fitness issue.

The timing is notable given that Real Madrid are preparing to face Schalke 04 in Germany on Sunday, and his absence from group training could put his involvement in the friendly in doubt.

Real Madrid travel to Gelsenkirchen to face Schalke 04 on Sunday, August 16, with Jose Mourinho expected to use the match to assess several members of his squad.

Endrick did not train with his teammates. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

However, Endrick’s involvement is now unclear.

The Brazilian did not join his teammates for training and instead completed work inside the Valdebebas facilities. 

For now, there has been no official explanation regarding his condition, making it difficult to determine whether his absence was precautionary, fitness-related or part of an individual training programme.

Unless there is a further update before the trip to Germany, Endrick’s chances of featuring against Schalke could be uncertain.

Meanwhile, Mourinho will have several other players available who could be handed their first minutes in a Real Madrid shirt.

Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande are both available for the match despite not having made their debuts yet. 

Real Madrid have complete faith in Endrick. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate could also make their first appearances for Los Blancos.

Real Madrid will, however, travel without several injured players. Raul Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Thiago Pitarch and Eder Militao are all expected to remain in Madrid as they continue their respective recovery programmes.

It must be remembered that the Brazil international has been linked with a possible loan move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Roma and Aston Villa among the clubs to have made approaches.

Both clubs are said to have met the conditions Endrick would require before considering a temporary departure.

However, as we have reported before, the Brazil forward will not leave the team as both Mourinho and Real Madrid management have retained faith in the youngster by giving him the number 9 shirt for the next season.