Real Madrid Stars Return as Diomandé Prepares for Schalke Debut

José Mourinho’s squad list for Real Madrid’s final pre-season friendly in Germany comes with a different feel – and a very clear message. The holidays are over. The big guns are back.

Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois all return for tomorrow’s clash with Schalke, turning what might have been a routine tune-up into a genuine dress rehearsal for the season opener against Espanyol on 22 August.

There is a new face too, and an expensive one.

Diomandé steps into the spotlight

Yan Diomandé, the Ivorian defender who has become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history, makes the squad for the first time and is expected to pull on the shirt in Gelsenkirchen.

All eyes will follow him. Not just to see how he defends, but how quickly he adapts to a dressing room full of stars and a system that demands courage on the ball. Schalke offers the first real glimpse of his chemistry with his new teammates, with plenty of intrigue around his attacking contribution as well.

There is even the tantalising prospect of Diomandé sharing the pitch with Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in the same XI – a snapshot of the club’s new era, compressed into a friendly.

For Mbappé, this will be his first run-out of the summer. Having rejoined Mourinho’s plans ahead of the new campaign, the Frenchman now needs rhythm and minutes, not just headlines.

Endrick held back, injuries still bite

One notable name will not board the plane. Endrick stays in Madrid, placed on a tailored programme by the technical staff to protect him from injury before the competitive fixtures begin. It is a precaution, but a firm one.

Aurélien Tchouaméni is also out, sidelined by a severe thigh strain that removes a key midfield option from Mourinho’s immediate plans.

The longer-term absentees remain unchanged. Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio are still missing, their recoveries running on a different calendar to the rest of the squad.

So while the list looks stronger, it is far from complete.

Mourinho sharpens his Espanyol blueprint

This trip to face Schalke is not just about fitness. It is about decisions.

With Espanyol looming on 22 August, Mourinho wants one last hard look at his structure, his partnerships and his hierarchy. Minutes will matter. So will combinations.

At the back, the competition has sharpened. Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konaté have forced their way into Mourinho’s thinking, turning the defensive line into one of the most fiercely contested areas of the pitch.

Konaté has emerged as a direct challenger for the centre-back spot alongside Dean Huijsen, a duel that could shape Madrid’s spine for the opening weeks of the season. On the right flank, the battle continues between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries, with the latter making a strong case since his arrival.

This is the moment for Mourinho to test what might soon become his first-choice back four – Diomandé’s debut, Konaté’s push, Cucurella’s energy, and the right-back shootout all folding into one final audition.

A friendly in name, perhaps. But for those chasing a place in the XI against Espanyol, Schalke will feel a lot closer to judgment day.