Real Madrid's New Era Under Mourinho: Squad Struggles and Academy Hopefuls

A new Real Madrid era under José Mourinho will begin this weekend with a threadbare look and a bold twist.

The club have confirmed their travelling squad for the 2026/27 La Liga opener away to RCD Espanyol, and the list underlines just how bruised the squad is before a ball has even been kicked.

Mourinho’s return, injury reality

Mourinho’s comeback to the Bernabéu dugout has dominated the summer, but the build-up to his first league game back has been shaped by the medical room rather than the training pitch.

Rodrygo, Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio are already out for the long haul, significant absentees in attack and defence that strip Real Madrid of both star quality and depth. The problems do not stop there.

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Endrick have also been left out of the travelling party for the trip to the RCDE Stadium. Both have been dealing with recent fitness issues and, with a full season stretching out in front of them, the club have chosen not to risk either the midfielder or the young forward on opening day.

For Mourinho, it means his first match back in charge arrives with some of his most intriguing pieces unavailable.

Door opens for academy hopefuls

The gaps have created opportunity. Several academy products have been drafted into the squad and will travel with the first team.

Mario Rivas, Jorge Cestero and Alexis Ciria all receive call-ups, a clear signal that Real Madrid are prepared to lean on La Fábrica as the season kicks off. Whether they see the pitch or not, their presence on the team sheet under a coach as demanding as Mourinho is a statement in itself.

A bruised squad, a new old manager, and academy talent stepping into the light: Real Madrid’s season does not ease its way into life. It jumps straight into the unknown in Barcelona.