Mourinho hopes Rodrygo returns for December Copa del Rey tie

While Real Madrid have been navigating a significant transition under Jose Mourinho this season, they are also targeting the return of Brazilian forward Rodrygo for their upcoming Copa del Rey tie on December 16.

The forward has missed every match this campaign after sustaining a long‑term injury last season and was initially expected to be back only at the end of the year.

He has taken several key steps towards full fitness but is not yet ready to feature in competitive action.

According to AS (h/t Madrid Zone), Rodrygo is aiming to make his first appearance of the season by mid‑December, hoping to play before the turn of the year.

He was recently spotted at the São Paulo Grand Prix, underscoring his off‑field presence.

The Brazilian specifically targets a return on December 16, when Real Madrid are slated to play their first Copa del Rey match of the season.

Who Real Madrid will face in that opening game is still to be decided, but Rodrygo remains determined to be available.

Los Blancos are thought to be more likely to meet a lower‑league opponent, which would aid his reintegration.

Squad depth and Mourinho’s dilemma

The club will undoubtedly welcome Rodrygo’s return, as his experience and firepower could bolster an already potent attack.

Yet the squad is already chock‑full of stars, with Yan Diomande and Arda Güler on fire in recent weeks, helping Real Madrid secure eight consecutive victories.

Integrating Rodrygo therefore poses a tactical challenge for Mourinho, who is also working to re‑incorporate Vinícius Júnior into the La Liga line‑up.

Should Rodrygo regain fitness, his addition could be a boon, but it will require Mourinho to tweak a setup that has been delivering well in recent weeks.