Real Madrid have begun welcoming back their World Cup players, with veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois becoming the latest member of José Mourinho’s squad to return from his summer break.
According to a report from COPE’s Melchor Ruiz, Courtois is now back at the club after Belgium’s World Cup campaign and has resumed work as he looks to reach full fitness ahead of the new season.
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The Belgian goalkeeper had picked up a minor muscle issue during Belgium’s World Cup meeting with Spain, but he is now back in Madrid and working on his fitness.
His return comes at an important stage of Real Madrid’s preparations, with Mourinho gradually getting more of his squad back after the World Cup.
More Real Madrid Stars Set to Return
Courtois has remained in Madrid while the rest of the team travelled to Hungary for their second preseason friendly. The goalkeeper has been working individually at Valdebebas as he continues to build his fitness before returning to full team training.
“The first major return has arrived… now Real Madrid are waiting for Mbappé, Bellingham and the rest of the World Cup stars.”
The next major wave of returns is expected on Monday.
Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are the final World Cup participants still due back in Madrid.
Their return will finally give Mourinho his full Real Madrid squad as the club continues preparations for the new La Liga campaign.
However, their late arrival means they are unlikely to feature in the upcoming preseason friendly against Deportivo La Coruña.
Instead, the five players could make their first appearances under Mourinho in the following friendly against Schalke in Germany.
That match is expected to be Real Madrid’s final preseason fixture before the new season officially begins.
For Mourinho, having the full squad available will be crucial as he looks to establish his preferred system and prepare his players for the opening league fixture against Espanyol.
Courtois’ return therefore represents only the beginning.
The biggest names are still on their way, and with Mbappé and Bellingham among those expected back on Monday, Real Madrid supporters are now waiting for the moment when the squad is finally complete.
The next few days could provide a major indication of Mourinho’s plans for the new season.
