Real Madrid face injury crisis ahead of Espanyol opener

Real Madrid kick off LaLiga 2026-27 this Saturday, 22 August, away at Espanyol in Barcelona. But Mourinho will have to work with a stretched injury list, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The most serious absence is Rodrygo. The Brazilian winger tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in March, underwent surgery, and won't be back until early 2027. Militao is also out after suffering a biceps femoris injury in April; he's expected to return between late September and early October.

Building the squad around absences

Mendy, the French fullback, has been struggling with a rectus femoris tendon strain since May, with a late-2026 return date. The preseason brought fresh problems: Asencio (rectus femoris, targeting mid-September) and youth academy player Thiago Pitarch (lateral ligament sprain, could return late August or early September).

The only last-minute doubt is Tchouaméni. The French midfielder has carried niggles since the World Cup, though the club claims it's just muscle overload and hopes to have him ready for the opening fixture.