Brahim Díaz has been included in Real Madrid’s 23-player squad for Saturday’s La Liga encounter against Espanyol, kicking off at 21:30 at the RCDE Stadium. The fixture marks José Mourinho’s first competitive match since returning to manage the club.
Mourinho names five forwards as injury absences bite
The Portuguese manager selected Díaz among five attacking options, with Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, Carlos Espí, and Yan Diomande completing the offensive contingent. However, Mourinho will be without Rodrygo—continuing his injury layoff—and Endrick, who is nursing a minor muscle complaint. The dual absence narrows his attacking depth for the opening weekend and could accelerate Díaz’s pathway into the starting XI.
Preseason form puts Díaz in contention for opening-day start
Díaz impressed during Madrid’s preparations, notably finding the net in the 1-0 Teresa-Herrera Trophy win over Deportivo La Coruña and starting the subsequent 3-0 friendly victory against Schalke 04. Spanish media outlets have flagged him as a genuine candidate to feature from the beginning, with the right-flank role his likeliest position in Mourinho’s setup.
Competition for that berth remains, though. Yan Diomande, signed as a recent arrival, is equally tipped to start. Mourinho’s final team sheet will clarify which forward gets the nod when lineups are officially released ahead of kickoff.
How preseason momentum could decide Mourinho’s right-wing choice
Díaz arrives at this opening fixture with tangible evidence of sharpness. Two consecutive starts and a goal across friendlies suggest he is further along in match fitness than squad alternatives. With Rodrygo and Endrick unavailable, any forward selected carries automatic significance in a competition opener—a fixture where continuity of form often tips the manager’s hand. Díaz’s recent goal contributions and involvement across both warm-up contests position him as a credible option, though Diomande’s recruitment signals Mourinho has built flexibility into his forward choices. Either selection carries minimal risk; both players have earned their inclusion through visible preparation.
