Tchouameni, Endrick and Thiago train with Real Madrid squad as Cucurella completes session

Marc Cucurella provided the most encouraging development as Real Madrid began preparations for its Champions League opener against Inter Milan. The defender completed Sunday’s session at the same pace as his teammates after leaving the field in Seville with painful muscle cramps.

Cucurella’s condition had raised doubts about his availability for Tuesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabéu. He nevertheless trained normally under Jose Mourinho. Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick and Thiago Pitarch also joined the group after missing recent weeks with different injuries, although they are not expected to be ready for the Inter game.

Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Raúl Asencio continued their individual recovery programs. After Saturday’s rest day, the squad returned to work at the Valdebebas training complex. Players who started against Betis completed specific exercises, while the others worked on tactics, pressing and playing out from the back before taking part in small-sided matches.

Real Madrid enters Europe after its first defeat of the season against Betis and faces Inter, one of Mourinho’s former clubs. The team also has major midfield problems. Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga are suspended, while Tchouameni has been out for more than a month and a return on Tuesday would be premature. Thiago is in a similar position.

Mourinho has only Fede Valverde fully available in midfield and must consider alternatives. Those options include using Jude Bellingham deeper, moving defender Dean Huijsen forward, or turning to younger players such as Jorge Cestero and Sergio Martínez.