Endrick is facing a difficult spell at Real Madrid. He spent most of last season on the bench under Carlo Ancelotti, and the rise of Gonzalo Garcia has put his place under even more pressure, despite him winning the race for the number 9 shirt.
The Brazilian’s struggles were compounded by injury. He first picked up a hamstring problem in May, only to suffer a relapse in July that extended his recovery.
As a result, he missed the entire Club World Cup in the United States, though he later joined the squad for training.
Endrick’s Real Madrid return date finally revealed
According to a report from AS, Endrick is now in the final stage of recovery and expects to return right after the international break in September.
The new number 9 is targeting the 14 September clash against Real Sociedad to be fully fit.
Recent updates and footage show him already back on the grass, running and working comfortably at Valdebebas.
He is not expected to be called up for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers, both due to his recovery and because Ancelotti has never been particularly fond of him, or of trusting young players.
His return is vital for his own career. Endrick needs regular minutes this season if he is to stake a claim for a spot in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The challenge is steep. Ancelotti has shown little preference for him, which means Endrick must push harder than ever to convince the Italian. He needs that NT call-up more than anything right now and Ancelotti is the only way he can and the only hurdle he needs to bypass.
First, he must compete with Gonzalo Garcia for the second-choice role behind Kylian Mbappe. Then he has to find ways to earn minutes alongside, or in place of, the Frenchman.
How that unfolds remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: for Endrick’s own sake, it has to happen.