Mourinho limits Rudiger’s workload as Real Madrid prioritise La Liga fitness

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is taking a cautious approach with Antonio Rudiger as the club step up preparations for the start of the La Liga season.

Rudiger was left out of the squad for the friendly against Fiorentina, with the decision described as a precautionary measure. The Germany defender remained in Madrid despite returning to training on the same day as Endrick, who travelled with the rest of the team to Austria.

The omission attracted attention among Real Madrid supporters, particularly because the club’s squad contained no first-team central defenders for the match. Dean Huijsen was unavailable because of minor pain, while Rudiger was rested to avoid unnecessary risk.

Real Madrid began August focused on reaching the opening of the Spanish league campaign in the best possible physical condition. Mourinho and his coaching staff are therefore paying close attention to the players’ workload, an approach that was evident both in the Fiorentina friendly and in the selection of the travelling squad.

According to Real Madrid-focused outlet Defensa Central, the club’s intention is to preserve Rudiger by avoiding excessive strain on his knees, which have previously caused him problems. The aim is to ensure the defender is able to perform at his highest level in the matches Mourinho considers most important for him to play.

Rudiger and Mourinho have reportedly agreed on a measured pre-season programme, with no unnecessary risks and only the required number of minutes on the pitch. The plan also reflects the expectation that the German will not be asked to play 60 matches during the season, particularly following the signing of Ibrahima Konate.

The decision to manage Rudiger carefully is also linked to Mourinho’s efforts to persuade Real Madrid’s hierarchy to sign another central defender. That issue will partly depend on the situation involving Raul Asencio, who suffered an injury several days ago and is not expected to return to action before September.

With Huijsen carrying a physical complaint, Rudiger being protected and Asencio facing a spell on the sidelines, Real Madrid’s defensive options remain a focus during pre-season. Mourinho’s immediate priority is to ensure his players are ready for the competitive campaign rather than exposing key members of the squad to avoidable fitness problems.

Endrick’s involvement in the trip, despite returning to training on the same day as Rudiger, underlined the different workload plans being used for individual players. The decision not to take Rudiger to Austria was not presented as a serious injury concern, but as part of a broader strategy designed to preserve him for the matches where his experience and defensive quality will be required.

The club’s approach means Rudiger is likely to receive only limited minutes during the remainder of the preparation period, while Real Madrid assess whether another centre-back is needed before the season begins.