Mourinho’s Squad Cuts Loom as Real Madrid Faces Midfield Logjam, Injury Risks

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory against Hungarian club Ferencváros in its second high-stakes pre-season fixture ahead of the new campaign — a result that came amid growing internal scrutiny over squad depth and selection strategy.

The Midfield Bottleneck

According to Marca, the club’s current roster presents acute challenges in midfield, where competition for starting spots is especially fierce. The squad includes Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde, and Thiago Petracca — all capable of operating in central roles. Yet the first-team lineup cannot accommodate all five simultaneously, intensifying pressure on individual playing time and tactical deployment.

Defensive and Attacking Depth

In defense, the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté has increased competition for places, notably affecting Marco Asensio’s prospects. Up front, options include Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Ibrahim Díaz, Diuma Diomande, and Endrick. In creative midfield roles, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler stand out, while Kylian Mbappé remains Mourinho’s foremost attacking asset — backed by additional versatile alternatives.

Injury Absences Complicate Planning

Injuries have already disrupted preparations: players including Jesús Vallejo, Asensio, Thiago, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo have all missed portions of pre-season training. These absences underscore the fragility of relying on a compact squad, particularly given the club’s multi-front commitments across domestic and continental competitions.

Risks of a Slimmed-Down Roster

Mourinho’s reported intention to reduce squad size carries significant operational risk. The season’s length and intensity, combined with Real Madrid’s participation in multiple tournaments, heighten vulnerability to injury-related attrition. Recent seasons have demonstrated how quickly absences can escalate — turning a 20-player roster into an unsustainable configuration if multiple players are sidelined concurrently.

What Lies Ahead for High-Profile Names?

With minutes limited and competition steep, several prominent players may face reduced roles or departure. The club’s inability to guarantee sufficient match time for all contributors means some established names could be asked to leave — or accept secondary status — even as transfer negotiations, such as those involving Rodri, remain unresolved.