Thiago Pitarch’s Real Madrid role under threat as injury delays first-team push

Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch faces an uncertain start to the new season after a knee injury ruled him out for around six weeks, while the club’s expected midfield additions threaten to make his route into the first team even more difficult.

The 18-year-old had just returned from celebrating victory with Spain at the European Under-19 Championship when his hopes of securing a regular place in Jose Mourinho’s squad were disrupted.

Only nine days separated Pitarch lifting the trophy with Spain and meeting Mourinho. The academy graduate arrived at Real Madrid full of confidence and determined to establish himself in the senior team, but he was injured during his first training session back at the club.

Pitarch has since been working at Valdebebas to complete his rehabilitation as quickly as possible. His intention is to return in time to be considered by the Portuguese manager, although the injury has complicated a decision that had appeared increasingly favourable to the midfielder before it happened.

Malaga have shown the strongest interest in signing him, but their absence from European competition is a significant obstacle to any possible move. Pitarch’s priority is to join a club competing in the continent’s leading tournament, the Champions League.

“I would like to continue getting minutes in the Champions League next season,” he told AS.

However, the knee problem may have altered those plans. A continuation of his career with Real Madrid Castilla has not been ruled out, and, as happened last season, Pitarch is expected to be registered officially with the reserve side.

That arrangement would not necessarily indicate that he has been omitted from Mourinho’s plans. Instead, it reflects the fact that the senior squad is close to being full, particularly with Real Madrid moving towards deals for Diomande and Rodri.

The club would need to sell more players to accommodate all of its potential arrivals. For that reason, Pitarch has been registered temporarily with Castilla while his position within the squad is assessed.

He made 16 appearances for Real Madrid last season and was trusted to start against notable opposition including Atletico de Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Under Alvaro Arbeloa, Pitarch demonstrated that he could contribute at senior level and was given opportunities in high-profile fixtures.

The challenge is expected to be considerably greater this season. The arrival of Bernardo Silva, together with the possibility of Rodri joining, would give Mourinho more options in midfield and increase competition for places.

That depth would be welcome news for the manager, but it would make Pitarch’s attempt to secure regular first-team football significantly harder.

For now, the midfielder’s immediate priority is recovery. Until he returns to full fitness, his next step at Real Madrid or whether he moves elsewhere in search of Champions League football remains unresolved.