Real Madrid have encountered an early setback in their pre-season preparations under José Mourinho, with midfielder Thiago Pitarch sidelined for approximately six weeks following a knee injury sustained during his first training session with the Spanish club. The injury comes as Madrid accelerate their squad planning ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, adding fresh complexity to the Portuguese manager's transition period.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Pitarch picked up the knee problem during training at Madrid's Valdebebas facility. Medical projections suggest the player will miss action until early September, forcing Mourinho to adapt his early tactical setup without the midfielder's availability. The injury represents a frustrating interruption for both player and coach as they build chemistry and cohesion during the crucial opening weeks of the season.
Diomande Deal Moves Forward
While injury concerns dominate the headlines, Real Madrid have progressed significantly in their pursuit of Yan Diomande, the Ivorian centre-back from RB Leipzig. The Spanish club has finalised contractual details and is expected to announce the transfer officially on Monday, bolstering their defensive options for the campaign ahead. Diomande represents one of Madrid's marquee summer signings and addresses their stated priority of adding depth to the backline.
Mourinho has already begun his tenure with Madrid by overseeing a behind-closed-doors friendly against Alcorcon at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium, part of the club's structured pre-season protocol. The setback with Pitarch, however, means the manager must navigate early tactical decisions without access to a midfielder who may have featured prominently in his initial plans. Madrid's injury management strategy will prove crucial as they seek to maintain momentum in their preparation phase and ensure squad fitness ahead of competitive fixtures.
