Real Madrid will play their final pre-season game of the summer this weekend when they take on Schalke away at the Veltins-Arena in Germany.
It will offer manager Jose Mourinho the final opportunity to take a close look at his team in a match-situation before the new campaign gets underway.
However, leading up to the game, it appears that one of the young players in the squad has suffered a physical setback.
Endrick sidelined with a muscle overload
Indeed, according to journalist Melchor Ruiz of COPE, Endrick has suffered a muscle overload and will now miss the friendly against Schalke on Sunday.
This comes after it was reported earlier today that the 20-year-old Brazilian international did not train with the rest of the group and instead took part in an individual indoor session.
Out with a muscle problem. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
While it is unclear as to when the young striker suffered the physical issue, he hopes to recover and make himself available for selection for Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against RCD Espanyol next week.
No shortage of options
Endrick’s absence is a blow, considering that he was doing well in pre-season, even finding the back of the net in the friendly against Fiorentina.
However, manager Mourinho is not short on options to replace the Brazilian striker.
After all, summer arrival Carlos Espi has made a strong case for regular involvement once the season starts with his impressive displays in pre-season so far.
Mbappe is back. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
In addition, Kylian Mbappe has returned to training after his World Cup break this week and is expected to make his first appearance under the new manager.
An important season ahead
The 20-year-old has returned to the club after spending the second half of the last season on loan at Olympique Lyon, where he excelled under Paulo Fonseca.
For a while, it appeared likely that the forward could leave on another loan spell, but the plans changed after Gonzalo Garcia was sold.
Within Real Madrid, there is full faith in Endrick and his abilities.
But it is now up to the youngster, once he recovers from this physical setback, to make the most of whatever chances he gets in the coming season and cement his place as an important player for Los Blancos.