Endrick is close to returning to the pitch for Real Madrid after nearly nine months of absence. Recovered from a muscle injury, the Brazilian striker is expected to be available to José Mourinho for the match against Rayo Vallecano, this Saturday, at the Santiago Bernabéu, in La Liga. The player's last match in the white jersey had been on December 17, when he participated in the narrow 3-2 victory over Talavera de la Reina, in the first round of the Copa del Rey.
At the time of that match, Endrick already knew he would be loaned to Lyon in search of more playing time and the possibility of competing in the World Cup. The loan to the French club represented an opportunity for the young striker to gain experience and game rhythm, something he couldn't achieve at Real Madrid.
Nearly nine months after his departure, the Brazilian returns to Madrid surrounded by uncertainties. Endrick was unable to participate in Real Madrid's first five games of the season due to a muscle injury, which delayed his reintegration into the first team. The club exercised caution throughout the entire recovery process to avoid a recurrence of the injury.
Even though he was called up for the match against Rayo Vallecano, Mourinho made it clear that the striker will have limited playing time initially. The Portuguese coach stated that Endrick is fit to play, but should only feature for five or ten minutes, demonstrating that his return will be gradual and controlled.
