Mourinho’s methods help transform Real Madrid’s injury record

Real Madrid have suffered only one new muscle-injury absence this season, a sharp improvement under Jose Mourinho compared with the number of fitness problems recorded at the same stage last campaign.

Federico Valverde is the only Real Madrid player to have missed a match because of a new muscle injury this season. At the equivalent point last season, the club had registered 39 injury-related absences. That total increased to 62 when players carrying issues from the previous campaign or pre-season were also included.

Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Franco Mastantuono were among those affected by injuries last season.

Real Madrid have also had fitness concerns this term involving Rodrygo, Thiago Pitarch, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio. However, those problems were sustained before the campaign began rather than during it.

The reduction in muscle injuries has coincided with a strong run of results. Los Blancos won eight consecutive matches in all competitions before the November international break, with a healthier squad helping to support their improved performances.

Mourinho has placed significant importance on physical preparation and squad management. His approach includes closely monitoring individual training workloads and managing players’ minutes carefully in an effort to reduce the risk of injury.

The greater availability of players has also enabled Real Madrid to retain more consistency in their starting line-up. That continuity has helped the squad build a clearer understanding of Mourinho’s tactical demands.

The Portuguese manager has shared playing time across much of his squad, although Kylian Mbappe has been a notable exception and has regularly played the full 90 minutes.

Maintaining the current level of fitness will become increasingly important as the season develops, with Real Madrid competing on several fronts. Mourinho’s methods have produced encouraging early results, but the club’s improved injury record will be tested over the coming months.

Real Madrid return to La Liga action after the international break when they host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, 21 November.