Real Madrid summer signing’s international break ends with just eight minutes on the pitch – worrying signs?

Real Madrid summer signing’s international break ends with just eight minutes on the pitch – worrying signs? Bernardo Silva is heading back to Real Madrid with his role at both club and international level under growing scrutiny. The Portuguese midfielder has endured a difficult start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, and his reduced involvement with Portugal during the recent international break has only added to the uncertainty surrounding his current status.  As such, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus’ first international squad has not offered Silva the prominent role he would have expected, with Silva having played only eight minutes.  While it is indeed troubling, there is some silver lining as the Real Madrid midfielder will return relatively fresh and could be in contention to start against Villarreal . Bernardo Silva’s Real Madrid role has changed Silva has struggled for consistent minutes since joining Real Madrid.  Bernardo Silva barely played for Portugal during the international break. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Statistically, across the club’s first eight matches of the season, the former Manchester City star has accumulated just 282 minutes. Only three of his six appearances have come as starts, which explains how sharply his importance has fallen compared with what would normally be expected from a player of his profile. That lack of rhythm has now extended to the international stage, as Silva featured against Norway during Portugal’s recent fixtures but was limited to just three minutes and another five minutes in Lisbon, where Portugal secured a 2-1 victory. Portugal also reduce Bernardo Silva’s involvement Silva’s eight minutes across four matches is an unusually small contribution for a player who has been an established member of Portugal’s squad for years. Jorge Jesus’ arrival has brought changes to the national team, and Silva has been among those whose involvement has declined.  Bernardo Silva has played less than 290 minutes for Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the Portugal camp has dominated the headlines, but the Real Madrid midfielder’s reduced role is another notable development from the new manager’s opening decisions. Could Bernardo Silva start for Real Madrid against Villarreal? Fortunately, these developments could work in Mourinho’s favour when club football resumes. While Silva needs regular football to rebuild his rhythm, he will at least return without the additional physical demands of playing extended minutes for Portugal.  With Real Madrid preparing for Villarreal, Mourinho could see an opportunity to bring the midfielder back into his starting XI, giving Silva a chance to respond after an unusually quiet start to the season.