Real Madrid handed international break boost as five players return early

It has been an unusually long September international break, but Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho will have begun preparing for club football to resume this weekend.

Los Blancos are gradually getting their squad back together after the international break, with Denzel Dumfries, Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva, Vinicius Junior and Endrick having now completed their national-team commitments.

All five players are set to return to Madrid, giving Mourinho an important group back as preparations resume ahead of a difficult game against Villarreal.

The timing is particularly useful for Mourinho because international breaks can leave coaches with very little time to work with their full squads.

Dumfries and Bernardo are two players whose roles remain particularly interesting.

The Dutchman provides Mourinho with a powerful option on the right, while Bernardo’s ability to control possession could become increasingly valuable as Madrid continue searching for the right midfield balance.

Vinicius returning is equally significant. The Brazilian has endured a difficult opening period of the season by his standards.

Getting back to Madrid early and having the extra days of training could be beneficial in helping him rediscover his best level.

Endrick’s return could be especially important on an individual level.

The 20-year-old has barely featured for Madrid this season, playing only four official minutes, with injury also affecting his opportunities.

His lack of football has already created questions about whether another loan could become necessary in January.

The coming weeks therefore represent an important period for the young striker. With Kylian Mbappe still recovering from an injury, he could get an opportunity against Villarreal.

Brahim’s return gives Mourinho another attacking option, while having five internationals back should also allow the manager to try out tactical ideas.

International breaks often force clubs to prepare for matches with players arriving in stages and carrying different workloads.

The length of this break has almost made this feel like a mini pre-season, and it remains to be seen what improvements we see from the team once club football resumes.