According to Spanish newspaper AS, Endrick is set to return, but competition in Real Madrid's attacking line is intensifying.

Endrick is expected to feature for Real Madrid in Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano, but regaining match rhythm will not be easy. Competition in the attacking line is intensifying, with Mbappé leaving little room for error, and Éspai has become one of the available options for the coaching staff.

Nearly nine months have passed since Endrick last played for Real Madrid. Few wanted to play in that match, except Mbappé, who was highly motivated to break Cristiano Ronaldo's single-year goal record from that period.

It was Real Madrid's first Copa del Rey match, which took place on December 17, 2024, at Talavera de la Reina stadium.

At that time, tensions between the team and Xavi Alonso had reached a difficult stage, which was also reflected on the pitch. Real Madrid ultimately secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory, and Endrick's playing time was cut short.

The striker already knew he would be heading to Lyon at that time, trying to avoid being left out of the World Cup plans.

Roughly nine months later, Endrick's situation appears not to have improved significantly. His current physical condition places him among the last options available to the team, but Mourinho has explained that Endrick remains in his plans.

The Brazilian striker is very close to making his first appearance of the season, which will be the team's sixth match of the season. Previously, a mysterious muscle injury, which the team has handled very carefully, prevented him from playing.

This Saturday, Real Madrid will face Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu, a match that could mark Endrick's long-awaited return.

As his return approaches, the most important questions remain: How will Endrick perform? And how long will he be able to stay on the pitch?

Mourinho addressed this issue in a press conference before Real Madrid's match against Inter Milan. He stated that Endrick's return would be very cautious, and this assessment is unlikely to change much in the coming days.

Mourinho said: "He is only ready to play for at most 5 to 10 minutes."

Therefore, Endrick's return does not mean he will immediately establish himself; it is merely the first step in a long journey. He needs to regain his physical fitness and match rhythm first, then try to secure a place among the many attacking options.

When Endrick learned he was returning to Real Madrid, it was initially expected he would function as Mbappé's backup, providing support when needed and adding an attacking option to the team.

The anticipated departure of Gonçalo could create more space for Endrick and increase his chances of playing time.

But the situation changed quickly. Mbappé's strong desire to continue pursuing the Ballon d'Or after the World Cup has made him want to play and spend more time on the pitch, while the rapid rise of Éspai has also made Endrick's situation increasingly difficult.

With Mbappé continuously pursuing his personal goal, and Éspai emerging as a new option and proving he can contribute, Endrick faces more complex competition than anticipated.

Endrick has an advantage that could help him return to the starting lineup: versatility, and the ability to play more positions compared to Éspai.

So far, this versatility has been one of Endrick's most prominent weapons, but the problem is that every path to a starting position seems crowded with competitors.

The right wing could be a position where Endrick can utilize his attributes, but competition for the starting spot there is also very fierce.

Diomandé's 125 million euro transfer fee has not given him additional advantage, nor does it guarantee him a long-term starting position.

Arda Güler is the player most used in this position, starting 3 of the first 4 matches, then missing the fifth match against Inter Milan due to suspension.

Güler has performed well when he plays, and Brahim has also shown competitiveness when deployed in this position.

Therefore, Endrick's versatility may help him compete for a place, but it does not mean his path will be easy, especially with Mourinho having many options.

Despite many obstacles, Endrick can still find some comfort in Mourinho's openly expressed confidence.

During this period, Endrick received many attractive offers, including one from Roma, but Mourinho was unwilling to let him go, either on loan or sold.

Mourinho said several weeks ago: "I have received many offers, but I do not want to loan him out or sell him, because I really like him. He is very talented."

It seems it is this talent that Mourinho hopes to continue refining at Real Madrid.

However, for Endrick, this is no easy task at all. After a long absence, Real Madrid's attacking line is already more crowded, and competition for every minute is intensifying.

The match against Rayo Vallecano is just a new beginning for the Brazilian striker, perhaps the first step in his search to regain his place.

Mourinho wants to see what Endrick can offer, but will remain very cautious, especially following the player's long absence. He hopes Endrick can gradually develop into a genuine asset for the team.

Endrick's return may begin with just 5 minutes, perhaps up to 10 minutes, but this could be the start of his comeback.

The road ahead is steeper, competition is fiercer than before, and his place at Real Madrid is no longer guaranteed, but he still retains his coach's confidence.

Against the backdrop of his anticipated return against Rayo Vallecano, intensifying competition in the attacking line, and Mourinho's desire to continue honing his talent, Endrick enters a new phase in his Real Madrid career.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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