Real Madrid duo expected to be back by the end of 2026 after return to training

Real Madrid duo expected to be back by the end of 2026 after return to training After a difficult start to the season, Real Madrid have had a few encouraging signs, as far as the fitness of their players are concerned. Kylian Mbappe’s knock against Turkiye did not appear to be serious while Eder Militao is in the final stage of his recovery. It appears to be only a matter of time before Real Madrid get the band back together, especially with two more players now returning to training. Mendy and Rodrygo return to training As reported by Diario AS , both Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are now training with the ball on the pitch at Valdebebas, as they close in on their respective returns. Ferland Mendy could soon return to action. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) Rodrygo, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus in his right knee seven months ago, returned to jogging in September and has since progressed to individual ball work. The Brazilian, who has been following a special body-recomposition plan as part of his rehabilitation, is nearing a return tentatively scheduled for December. Mendy, meanwhile, is also back working with the ball on the training pitch. The Frenchman underwent hamstring surgery in May and was left out of Real Madrid’s Champions League squad. While the club prefer not to set a firm timeframe given his injury history, he too is expected to return by the end of 2026. The infirmary starts to empty Rodrygo’s return could serve as a massive boost for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The positive updates on Rodrygo and Mendy are part of a wider improvement on the treatment table at Valdebebas. Militao has completed his second consecutive session with the rest of the group, a significant milestone as he edges towards a full return. His progress offers Mourinho a timely boost given Real Madrid’s defensive concerns, with Dean Huijsen suspended for the Villarreal clash. Elsewhere, the recently injured trio of Ibrahima Konate, Federico Valverde and Mbappe trained indoors and are hoping to rejoin group training at some point next week. Real Madrid have been hampered by injuries during a stuttering start to the season, and having a fuller squad to choose from could prove crucial as they look to close the gap on Barcelona.