Real Madrid’s probable starting XI against Fiorentina

Real Madrid will take on Fiorentina in Austria this Saturday as José Mourinho’s side prepares to play its first major friendly match of the new pre-season campaign.

After three full weeks of intensive training sessions and two behind-closed-doors practice games against Alcorcón and Leganés, the Spanish giants are now ready to step up their preparations. The match against Fiorentina will offer Mourinho a first genuine opportunity to assess his squad in competitive conditions ahead of the new La Liga season.

This fixture will also mark the beginning of a busy run of warm-up matches for Los Blancos. Real Madrid are scheduled to face Ferencváros on August 8, Deportivo La Coruña on August 12 and Schalke 04 on August 16. These games will help the players build fitness, develop tactical automatisms and gain match rhythm before the opening of the league campaign on August 22.

However, Mourinho will have to manage this first friendly without several important first-team players. A number of internationals have either not yet returned to training or resumed preparations too late to be involved against Fiorentina.

Antonio Rüdiger is among the players expected to miss the encounter because he is not yet fully ready. Endrick, on the other hand, has been included in the travelling squad despite only recently returning to training. Summer signings Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espí have also been called up and could make their first appearances for the club.

Real Madrid’s central defence is particularly depleted. Ibrahima Konaté is still on holiday, while Rüdiger is not considered fit enough to play. Éder Militão continues his rehabilitation programme, and Raúl Asencio is reportedly facing between four and six weeks on the sidelines.

Dean Huijsen is also dealing with a muscular problem. The club has played down the seriousness of his injury, explaining that his absence is mainly a precautionary measure. Nevertheless, his unavailability leaves Mourinho with very few senior options in central defence.

As a result, Lamini Fati and Joan Martínez are expected to form the central defensive partnership. Álvaro Carreras could start at left-back, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to occupy the right side of the defence.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde are the favourites to start together. Arda Güler could be given the creative number-ten role, operating behind the centre-forward and attempting to connect midfield with attack.

🚨⚪️ REAL MADRID EXPECTED XI VS FIORENTINA. @marca pic.twitter.com/l3MZXo6oiC

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 31, 2026

Mourinho also has limited options in the final third. Gonzalo García has not been included in the squad, while Franco Mastantuono is also unavailable. Endrick may not yet be ready to start after recently returning to action.

That situation could open the door for Carlos Espí to lead the attack on his debut. The new signing is expected to be given an early opportunity to impress, with young prospects Daniel Yáñez and Alexis Ciria likely to operate on the wings.

Although the team will be missing several established players, the clash with Fiorentina remains an important test. Mourinho will be able to evaluate his younger players, assess his new recruits and begin shaping the tactical identity of his new-look Real Madrid.