Endrick Set for Real Madrid Return Against Inter Milan

Real Madrid are preparing to quietly reopen a long-awaited chapter. Endrick, sidelined since his injury in Budapest, is finally back in the matchday conversation – and his official return could come on one of the biggest stages of all.

The Brazilian forward is in line for his first minutes of the 2026/27 Champions League when Real Madrid host Inter Milan on Tuesday (8), with kick-off at 4 p.m. The club will not rush him, but the door is open.

“He may be ready to play 5 minutes, 10 at most. He trained with the team for the first time yesterday and hasn't played since Budapest. He isn't fit for more,” the Real Madrid coach said, underlining both the excitement and the caution around the 20-year-old.

The message is simple: expect a cameo, not a coronation.

Mourinho’s irony and Endrick’s role

Asked where Endrick might fit into a squad already stacked with attacking stars, Mourinho could not resist a touch of irony.

“He will play in attack. I guarantee he won't play at left-back or center-back. (He can play) on the right or the left, (as a) 9 or 10.”

The joke carried a serious undertone. Real Madrid’s forward line is already loaded. In recent matches, Mourinho has gone with Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappé in attack, a quartet that offers goals, creativity, and constant movement.

Dropping Endrick straight into that mix for heavy minutes would be reckless. Using him as a late, explosive option makes far more sense.

So the stage is set: a Champions League night at the Bernabéu, Inter Milan in town, and a young Brazilian striker waiting on the touchline, ready for 5 or 10 minutes that could feel much bigger than the clock suggests.