English Premier League
Mourinho leaves Yan Diomande out of Real Madrid squad for Ferencvaros friendly
Jose Mourinho has decided against taking new signing Yan Diomande to Budapest for Real Madrid’s second pre-season match, with the Ivorian winger omitted from the squad to face Ferencvaros at Groupama Arena on Saturday.
Diomande did not take part in Real Madrid’s final morning training session before the squad’s departure, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. Instead, he was completing the administrative procedures and paperwork required to finalise his recent move to the club.
The decision means the winger will have to wait for his first appearance in a Real Madrid shirt. His omission came less than 24 hours after the club officially announced his signing, following his arrival in the Spanish capital and his first steps at the club’s training complex in Valdebebas.
Real Madrid are due to leave for the Hungarian capital at 16:00 local time on Friday.
Diomande had been expected to follow the example of Carlos Espe, who was included in the squad last week immediately after joining the first team. However, Mourinho has opted for a more cautious approach with the club’s most expensive signing, allowing Diomande additional time to prepare before making his debut.
The squad does include Vinicius Junior, Bernardo Silva and Brahim Diaz, all of whom joined up with Real Madrid during the current week. Each could make a first appearance of the pre-season campaign against Ferencvaros.
Vinicius Junior will attract particular attention as he prepares to play for the first time since extending his contract with the club until 2032.
Defender Dean Huijsen has also returned to the squad after recovering from the muscular injury that had kept him out. He has resumed full team training, providing a boost to a defence that is also waiting for Antonio Rudiger to reach full fitness.
Real Madrid squad for the match against Ferencvaros:
Goalkeepers: Andriy Lunin, Mistre and Navarro.
Defenders: Dean Huijsen, Juan Martinez, Antonio Rudiger, Lamine Fati, Mario Rivas, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Denzel Dumfries and Alvaro Carreras.
Midfielders: Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Sestero, Lacosta and Seria.
Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, Yanez, Endrick and Carlos Espe.
Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo will remain in Madrid. All four are continuing their treatment and rehabilitation programmes away from full team training.
The match in Budapest will be Real Madrid’s second fixture of the current preparation period. While several recent additions are available to Mourinho, Diomande will not be rushed into action as the club manages his first days following his move.
