Real Madrid looking to avoid ‘FIFA virus’ ahead of a crucial stretch of the season

Real Madrid looking to avoid ‘FIFA virus’ ahead of a crucial stretch of the season Real Madrid have no less than 17 first-team players out on international duty at the moment, thus running the risk of an unwanted injury that could seriously hamper their campaign. After a slow start to the season under Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid have done exceptionally well to come back and are currently on an eight-game winning streak across all competitions. Real Madrid, however, are more than aware of the fact that injuries to one or two key players could go a long way in stalling their progress. Real Madrid closely monitoring player fitness Mourinho is worried about Real Madrid players accumulating fresh injuries. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) According to Mundo Deportivo , Real Madrid are closely monitoring the international window after Mourinho declared that his players were in a state of extreme fatigue. Mourinho made those comments right after the 3-0 win over Valencia last weekend, which put an end to a stretch of three away games. “They are in extreme fatigue and have to be with their selection on Monday, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday still cleaning up this muscle fatigue they have. “I do not say mental fatigue, because the one who wins has no mental fatigue, but physical fatigue does. I respect the coaches of the teams,” he said. His fears have already been partly realised. Aurelien Tchouameni was withdrawn from the France squad with discomfort in his right adductor. This is the same issue he carried from the World Cup, and returned to Valdebebas to work on his recovery. Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, has also left the Portugal camp after being deemed unfit to play against Wales and has returned to Madrid . Important stretch ahead Jose Mourinho faces a tense few days ahead. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) What has gotten Real Madrid particularly worked up is that the club face the most important stretch of the season, once the international break comes to an end. The club have no fewer than nine games in a month, up until the Christmas period. Four of those matches, including the first three, will be at home against Celta Vigo, PSG, Alaves, and Osasuna. Meanwhile, the remaining five matches will be played away from home. Given that congestion, the game-time management of these players has become a priority for Mourinho, who is desperate to avoid the squad slipping back to extreme fatigue. Thankfully, Federico Valverde, who has been one of Real Madrid’s best performers lately, was carefully managed by Uruguay coach Diego Forlan . Real Madrid can only hope other international coaches will take a similar approach, as most nations gear up for their second game of the break.