Mourinho's load strategy shields Real Madrid from injury crisis

Under the bright lights of the Santiago Bernabeu, José Mourinho watched his Real Madrid side take on Leipzig in a Champions League clash.

His return to the bench delivered an immediate benefit: a dramatic cut in the squad’s injury list, the first major triumph of his tenure before any silverware.

Previous season's injury toll

Last campaign the club recorded thirty‑nine matches lost to injury among first‑team players, a figure that would rise to sixty‑two if lingering problems from the prior tournament were included.

Stars such as Rüdiger, Alaba, Huijsen, Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Carvajal, Tchouaméni, Ceballos and Mastantuono suffered repeated muscle setbacks, forcing Real Madrid to dip into its academy.

Con a methodology based on rigorous load control, the Portuguese staff built a more reliable squad, and only Federico Valverde has missed action this season due to a muscle complaint.

Senior players who once battled serious injuries – Thiago, Eder Militão, Rodrygo, Raúl Asencio and Ferland Mendy – have now rejoined the group fully, many returning via brief bench appearances while the coaching team carefully manages their minutes.

Endrick left his future in the balance, stating, "I don’t know what will happen in January."