League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Injuries

Real Madrid defensive duo aims to impress Mourinho during pre-season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 8:05 AM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

Real Madrid defensive duo aims to impress Mourinho during pre-season

Summary

Jose Mourinho has limited first-team players available as most of his squad competes in the FIFA World Cup. Spanish centre-backs Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio are currently under Mourinho's scrutiny. Both players are looking to improve their standing after being dropped from Luis de La Fuente's squad. With competition increasing due to Ibrahima Konate's arrival, Huijsen and Asencio must make a strong impression to secure more playing time and potentially avoid transfer discussions this summer.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Mourinho's pre-season focuses on evaluating Huijsen and Asencio.
•Both players were excluded from the national team due to poor form.
•Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are top defensive preferences.
•Asencio is linked with a potential transfer away from the club.
•Mourinho seeks additional defensive options before the season starts.

Latest Updates

8:05 AMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid defensive duo to be under Mourinho’s ‘magnifying glass’ in pre-season

What they're saying

"
Jose Mourinho has very limited first-team players at his disposal in the initial weeks of his pre-season, given that most of the stars were called up for the FIFA World Cup by their respective nations...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Real Madrid Atletico Madrid FIFA World Cup Soccer