Real Madrid injury update: Vinicius decision looms as Mbappé returns and double injury boost strengthens squad

Vinicius returned to Real Madrid’s training ground at Valdebebas on his day off, even though the club had given him permission to rest.

Tired Vinicius in recovery mode

There is no injury concern, but the Brazilian forward is dealing with significant fatigue after featuring in 55 of the last 57 matches since the Club World Cup.

For that reason, Vinicius followed a tailored recovery plan focused on physiotherapy and light recovery work, with no time on the pitch.

All parties involved see it as the most sensible approach: a few hours of careful management rather than full training.

He is expected to be back on the grass in tomorrow’s session, although there is real doubt over whether he will start against Mallorca or be rested with Bayern Munich in mind.

Suspended Valverde rests, absences confirmed

Federico Valverde, suspended for the Mallorca match and also granted permission by the club, took the opportunity to rest at home and recharge before a demanding stretch of fixtures.

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be without three players for the trip to Mallorca in addition to Valverde: Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. Everyone else is expected to be included in the squad.

Militao and Ceballos set for long-awaited returns

Tomorrow’s squad list will also confirm the returns of Éder Militão and Dani Ceballos after long injury layoffs.

For Militão, it will mark a comeback after three months and 24 days out. He suffered a serious injury on December 7 against Celta Vigo, a torn left hamstring with tendon involvement. It was slightly more optimistic than the original four-month recovery estimate.

Ceballos, meanwhile, returns after 40 days out following a right soleus injury picked up on February 21 at El Sadar. His recovery has also come in slightly ahead of schedule, after an initial six-week prognosis.

Both cases are being viewed internally as examples of strong medical and recovery work.

Bellingham edging closer, Mbappé ready for return

Jude Bellingham’s return is also progressing, but while he has been given medical clearance, he is not expected to start yet and still needs time to reach full match fitness.

The biggest attacking boost comes from Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to return to the starting lineup in Mallorca after being used as a substitute in the derby.

The squad also includes Raúl Asencio, who returns after missing three matches against Elche, Manchester City, and the derby.

Vinicius remains one of the central selection questions, given his heavy workload. He has played 98 percent of available minutes under Arbeloa this season, making his starting role in Mallorca far from certain.

Real Madrid roster ready for Mallorca

Training today included all international players except Valverde, who was given permission to rest.

Arbeloa will have 20 first-team players available plus academy midfielder Thiago Pitarch, bringing the working group to 21 core names. A heavy presence of youth players is not expected, although one or two could be included.

The schedule remains unchanged tomorrow, with a 10:30 a.m. press conference followed by training, before the squad travels to Mallorca to spend the night ahead of Saturday’s match.

LaLiga is back, and the season’s decisive stretch is officially underway.

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