Mourinho updates Militão and Valverde ahead of Villarreal match

Before facing Villarreal in the Spanish league, Real Madrid coach José Mourinho discussed the injury situations of Éder Militão and Federico Valverde. In separate remarks, he also spoke about a player ruled out of the match and about Vinícius.

Asked at a press conference whether Militão and Valverde would be available, Mourinho said the midfielder was a doubt while the defender would not be present. “We have never trained with five players, but always with 20 players,” he said, adding that academy youngsters and Castilla players had taken part in sessions, sometimes alongside players from the third team.

On Militão, the coach said he was doing better than expected, but would miss the following day’s match as well as the games against Roma and Sevilla. Mourinho said the defender needed two weeks and that caution was necessary given his extensive medical record. He also announced that Mendy would train on the pitch with the group for the first time, while Rodrygo was still a long way off. As for Valverde, Mourinho said the problem had persisted and that a decision on his involvement would be made that day.

Mourinho also defended selecting players on merit, while stressing that each player’s current situation and timing must be considered. He acknowledged that the approach carries risks, as some players take time to regain their usual level.

On Vinícius, Mourinho said the forward’s pain saddened him and that he understood the player wanted to return to full fitness and make the difference. He also urged supporters to back him, saying he deserved their support as he sought to rediscover the level that had brought them many happy moments.