Mourinho Allows Real Madrid Players Week Off During Break

José Mourinho, the manager of Real Madrid, has granted a full week off to players who were not selected for their national teams during the ongoing international break from September 21 to October 6, 2026. This decision, reported by football transfer expert Santi Aouna, comes as 16 Real Madrid players have been called up for international duty, leaving Mourinho with only about seven first-team players available for training at the club's base in Valdebebas.

Notably, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois opted to stay in Madrid to focus on his recovery rather than join Belgium for Nations League fixtures. Andriy Lunin, not selected by Ukraine, is also expected to remain with the club.

Mourinho has expressed concerns about the impact of the lengthy international window on players' rhythm and the risk of injuries upon their return. The decision to give non-international players time off is part of the club's strategy to manage the unusual international calendar and avoid overworking a diminished squad.