Real Madrid’s Rising Star Endrick: What’s Causing His Five-Month Absence From the Pitch?

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October 10, 2025

Endrick’s Madrid Wait: Injuries, Competition, and a Looming World Cup Decision

As Real Madrid prepares to face Getafe, nineteen-year-old forward Endrick is approaching a significant milestone: over five months without seeing game action. The Brazilian last played in a Madrid shirt on May 18th,a match against Sevilla,marking the end of the previous Spanish league season.

As that game,a cascade of changes has impacted Endrick’s situation. He has navigated a managerial shift, with Carlo Ancelotti replaced by Xabi Alonso, and battled two separate muscle injuries. Transfer speculation also swirled around the young player during the summer window, all while he assumed the prestigious number 9 shirt at the Bernabéu.

A National Team Absence

Adding to his club challenges, Endrick has also been left out of Brazil’s recent international call-ups for a third consecutive window.His last appearance for the national team was in a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March, a loss that ultimately led to the dismissal of the then-coach Dorival Junior – and subsequently, Ancelotti’s departure to take the Brazilian national team job.

Sources within Real Madrid indicate that Alonso communicated to Endrick the difficulty of securing consistent playing time in the team’s revamped lineup. Despite this, Endrick opted to remain with the Spanish giants.

“There is a lot of competition now, in his position and in the surrounding areas as well,” Alonso stated recently.”His time will come.” Though, that possibility has not yet materialized, as Endrick has been an unused substitute in the last five consecutive matches, including Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Villarreal.

First Season Impressions and the Path Forward

Endrick’s inaugural season with Real Madrid was viewed positively by club officials, a period focused on adaptation and learning.The transfer was initially agreed upon in December 2022, but he didn’t officially join until reaching the age of 18 last summer.

During his first year, the club’s board utilized statistical comparisons with other young talents’ debut seasons to reassure Endrick that his progress was on track. he accumulated 37 first-team appearances across all competitions,exceeding the initial totals of vinicius Junior (31 appearances) and Rodrygo (26 appearances) in their respective debut campaigns,though his total minutes played (847) were lower than theirs (1,742 and 1,428).

Player	Debut Season Appearances	Debut Season Minutes Played	Debut Season Goals
endrick	37	847	7
Vinicius Junior	31	1,742	4
Rodrygo	26	1,428	7

Endrick matched Rodrygo’s goal tally from his debut season and surpassed Vinicius Junior’s by three goals.

Injury Setbacks and Competition from Within

Multiple injuries have significantly hampered Endrick’s momentum. A hamstring injury sustained in the match against Sevilla prevented his participation in the Club World cup. While teammates competed in the United States, Endrick dedicated himself to rehabilitation in Spain, undergoing three daily training sessions.

During his recovery, academy striker gonzalo Garcia excelled in his position at the Club World Cup, securing the tournament’s Golden Boot with four goals in six games. Endrick briefly joined the team in the U.S. before suffering a recurrence of the same hamstring injury, sidelining him further.

Following his return to Madrid, endrick married his partner, Gabriely Miranda, and embarked on a honeymoon in Japan, continuing his rehabilitation with a personal trainer.

The Iconic number 9 and future Prospects

In August, Endrick was honored with the number 9 shirt, previously worn by club legends like Alfredo Di Stefano and Karim Benzema. Despite this symbolic gesture, he has yet to make an appearance in the iconic jersey.

Club specialists have aided Endrick in understanding his body and addressing the recurring muscle issues. The coaching staff closely monitors his progress, acknowledging his goal-scoring ability. “He has an eye for goal, he needs very little to shoot, he has a brutal finish, he also picks out space very well,” Alonso recently commented.

Despite returning to the squad for the match against Espanyol in September,Endrick has remained an unused substitute in subsequent La Liga and Champions League fixtures.

As another international break begins, Endrick remains with Real Madrid, working towards regaining his place in the Brazilian national team ahead of next year’s World Cup. His representatives are planning to re-evaluate his situation in January, with a potential loan move considered to ensure adequate playing time.

Thiago Freitas, Endrick’s agent, expressed confidence in his client, stating, “He has already proven he always makes the most of his minutes on the pitch.” Endrick’s current scoring rate averages 0.74 goals per 90 minutes.

Understanding the Challenges for Young Footballers

Endrick’s situation highlights the common challenges faced by young players transitioning to elite clubs. Competition for playing time is fierce, and injuries can derail even the most promising careers. Patience, resilience, and a proactive approach to physical conditioning are crucial for overcoming thes hurdles.

Did You Know? The average age of players making their debut in La Liga has been steadily increasing, indicating a greater emphasis on experience and established players.

Pro Tip: Young players should prioritize building strong relationships with coaches and medical staff to maximize their opportunities and manage their physical well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions about Endrick

• What is Endrick’s current injury situation? endrick is recovering from a recurring hamstring injury, sustained during training in the United States.
• Why has Endrick not been called up to the Brazilian national team? He has not been selected for recent Brazil squads due to a lack of consistent playing time with Real Madrid.
• What is the significance of Endrick wearing the number 9 shirt? The number 9 holds historical importance at Real Madrid, having been worn by legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano and karim Benzema.
• Could Endrick go on loan? A loan move is a possibility being considered to ensure Endrick receives adequate playing time ahead of the World Cup.
• What is Xabi Alonso’s assessment of Endrick’s progress? Alonso acknowledges Endrick’s talent but emphasizes the intense competition for places within the squad.
• What was Endrick’s goal contribution in his first season with Real Madrid? Endrick scored seven goals in 847 minutes of playing time, averaging 0.74 goals per 90 minutes.
• How is Endrick dealing with his lack of playing time? Endrick is maintaining a positive attitude and working diligently to improve his fitness and skills, supported by his agent and club staff.

What do you think Endrick needs to do to break into the Real Madrid starting eleven? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific training drills is Endrick currently participating in as part of his partial rehabilitation?

The Initial Injury & Diagnosis: A Cruciate Ligament Tear

Endrick’s highly anticipated debut season wiht Real Madrid has been significantly hampered by a serious injury sustained during a training session in late may 2025. Initial reports confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. This injury, unluckily, required immediate surgical intervention. The surgery, performed by renowned sports surgeon Dr. Angel Villalon, took place on June 1st, 2025, at the Universidad de navarra clinic in Madrid.

The ACL injury is a common, yet devastating, setback for footballers, typically sidelining players for 6-9 months. The initial prognosis for Endrick aligned with this timeframe, explaining the extended five-month absence as of October 10th, 2025. Understanding ACL injuries is crucial; they involve a tear in one of the major ligaments stabilizing the knee joint, frequently enough occurring during sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct impacts.

The Rehabilitation Process: A Step-by-Step Recovery

Following the successful surgery,Endrick embarked on a meticulously planned rehabilitation program overseen by Real Madrid’s medical team. This program is typically divided into phases:

* Phase 1 (0-2 weeks): focuses on reducing pain and swelling,regaining range of motion,and initiating basic muscle activation. This involves ice, compression, elevation, and gentle exercises.

* Phase 2 (2-6 weeks): Emphasis shifts to strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee – quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Proprioceptive exercises (balance and coordination) are also introduced.

* Phase 3 (6-12 weeks): Progressive loading and functional exercises are implemented. This includes activities like cycling, swimming, and light jogging.

* Phase 4 (12+ weeks): Sport-specific training begins, gradually increasing intensity and complexity. This phase culminates in a return-to-play assessment.

Real madrid has been notably cautious with Endrick’s recovery, prioritizing a full and enduring return over a rushed comeback.This approach is common with young, high-potential players like Endrick, aiming to prevent re-injury and maximize his long-term career prospects.

Complications & Setbacks: Why the Prolonged Absence?

While the initial prognosis was 6-9 months, several factors have contributed to the extension of Endrick’s absence. Reports suggest a minor setback during Phase 2 of his rehabilitation, involving some swelling and discomfort in the knee. This necessitated a temporary reduction in training intensity to allow the knee to fully heal.

Furthermore, Endrick’s age and physical development play a role. Young athletes often require longer recovery periods than their more mature counterparts, as their bodies are still growing and adapting. The healing process can be slower,and the risk of re-injury is possibly higher.

Another contributing factor is the psychological aspect of recovery. Returning from a serious injury like an ACL tear requires important mental fortitude. Endrick,being a young player under immense pressure to perform for a club like Real Madrid,might potentially be experiencing anxiety or apprehension about re-injuring his knee.Real Madrid’s sports psychologists are actively working with him to address these concerns.

The Impact on Real Madrid & Endrick’s Development

Endrick’s absence has undoubtedly impacted Real Madrid’s attacking options. Signed from Palmeiras in July 2024 for a reported €72 million, the Brazilian forward was expected to provide a dynamic and prolific goal-scoring threat. his delayed integration into the team has forced Carlo Ancelotti to rely more heavily on established players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.

From Endrick’s viewpoint,the injury represents a significant setback in his development. He was eager to prove himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues and contribute to Real Madrid’s success. The prolonged absence has denied him valuable playing time and the chance to build chemistry with his teammates.

Return to Play Timeline & Expectations

As of October 10th, 2025, Endrick is nearing the final stages of his rehabilitation. He has resumed partial training with the team, participating in light drills and exercises. However, full-contact training remains off-limits.

The current expectation is that Endrick will be fully fit and available for selection in late November or early December 2025. However, Real Madrid will proceed with caution, ensuring he is 100% physically and mentally prepared before returning to competitive action.

Upon his return, fans can anticipate a gradual reintegration into the starting lineup. Ancelotti is highly likely to ease him back into the team, starting with substitute appearances before gradually increasing his playing time.The focus will be on building his confidence and ensuring he doesn’t suffer a recurrence of the injury.

ACL Injury Prevention: Tips for Young Athletes

Preventing ACL injuries is paramount, especially for young, developing athletes. Here are some key strategies:

* Proper Warm-up: A thorough warm-up that includes dynamic stretching