Real Madrid talisman finally returns to training as Mourinho gets full group together

Jose Mourinho finally has his full Real Madrid squad back together after Jude Bellingham returned to training following his extended summer break.

The England international completed his commercial commitments in London before making his way back to the club, becoming the final World Cup international to report for duty.

As the clubBellingham took part in the afternoon session alongside the players who were not selected for Real Madrid’s Teresa Herrera Trophy meeting with Deportivo La Coruna at Riazor.

His return will be welcomed by Mourinho, who has been gradually integrating the squad ahead of the new season. 

The midfielder is also said to be in excellent physical condition, meaning there should be little concern over his fitness as he begins his preparations.

However, Bellingham will not feature against Deportivo.

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Bellingham’s arrival completes an important stage of Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations.

The 23-year-old had been given additional time away following his international commitments, while several of his teammates had already returned to work earlier in the week.

Mourinho now has the majority of his senior group available, although the players who recently reported back are still being managed carefully.

Bellingham trained with and without the ball during the session, beginning the process of getting back up to full match sharpness.

The midfielder was joined by the injured members of the squad, although those players followed individual programmes. 

Jude Bellingham is the last player to rejoin training after the World Cup. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

As such, the likes of Raul Asencio, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Thiago Pitarch were among those continuing their recovery work away from the main group.

Bellingham’s first opportunity to play under Mourinho is now expected to come against Schalke on Sunday, August 16.

That gives him several days to work with the first-team group and become accustomed to Mourinho’s methods before stepping onto the pitch.

Speaking of the Teresa Herrera Trophy, Kylian Mbappe, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Aurelien Tchouameni are all unavailable for the trip to Riazor despite having returned to training earlier this week.

Rather than immediately throwing the returning internationals into action, Mourinho is giving them time to build their fitness and adapt to the workload.