Real Madrid published their official squad list ahead of Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu, as manager José Mourinho navigates several notable fitness absences by calling up youth academy players for the third round of the domestic campaign.
Mourinho Faces Sidelined Stars and Rotation Pressures
As the Spanish giants prepare for Sunday’s encounter, the roster reveals a mix of established first-team regulars and enforced absences. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is expected to implement squad rotations following the club’s opening fixtures of the season. Málaga travels to the capital for a match scheduled to kick off on August 30, 2026, at 17:00 CEST (11:00 AM EST), with broadcast coverage managed by DAZN La Liga in Spain and ESPN Deportes and ESPN Plus in the United States.
Despite Málaga presenting manageable opposition on paper at the Bernabéu, the squad sheet reflects a depleted treatment room. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni remains unavailable due to ongoing physical discomfort. Tchouaméni has experienced persistent pain since returning from the leave he took following the conclusion of the World Cup, limiting his ability to train and appear alongside his teammates.
Youth Integration and Managed Fitness Plans
Endrick is another high-profile absentee on the list. The forward is currently following an individual training program designed to shield him from physical problems over the course of the season. Defensive options have also taken a hit; Raúl Asencio has been ruled out due to an issue affecting his shin bone, joining a sidelines list that includes Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, and Thiago Pitarch.
To offset these gaps, Mourinho has turned to the youth teams, drafting three players into the senior matchday group: Mario Rivas, Cestero, and Alexis Ciria (also cited as Alexis Seria).
The Complete Matchday Squad Breakdown
The official club announcement, shared via social channels with the message “📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados! 🆚 @MalagaCF”, outlines the complete personnel available for Sunday’s clash:
| Position | Players Included | Notable Absences / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Javi Navarro | |
| Defenders | Dean Huijsen, Trent, Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella, Álvaro Carreras, Antonio Rüdiger, Denzel Dumfries, Mario Rivas | Raúl Asencio (shin), Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy sidelined. |
| Midfielders | Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Cestero, Alexis Ciria | Aurélien Tchouaméni unavailable due to post-World Cup fitness discomfort. |
| Forwards | Vinícius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, Yan Diomande | Endrick on managed fitness program; Rodrygo and Thiago Pitarch absent. |
What Lies Ahead at the Bernabéu
As Sunday approaches, all eyes turn to how the newly configured XI will perform under the lights in Madrid. How do you see Mourinho balancing his squad rotation against Málaga? Let us know your thoughts as the domestic season heats up.
