Real Madrid Face a Key Defensive Decision Ahead of Champions League Trip to Rome
Real Madrid are stepping up preparations for their next UEFA Champions League fixture, with a trip to Rome looming and a major selection question confronting head coach Jose Mourinho. The return of Dean Huijsen gives Madrid an important option at centre-back, but the coach must decide how to arrange his defence while several players continue their recovery from injury.
Madrid trained at Valdebebas before travelling to Italy for their second European match. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, 22 players took part in the session, with goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin the only absentees. Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy resumed work with the group, a welcome sign for the club, although neither is expected to be ready to feature against Roma.
Huijsen Returns After Villarreal Suspension
Huijsen is back in contention after missing Madrid’s meeting with Villarreal through suspension. The defender was unavailable because of the red card he received in the derby, but his return gives Mourinho another choice at the heart of the back line at a time when defensive depth remains limited.
The former Bournemouth player has earned the coach’s confidence, making his availability especially significant. Madrid have had to manage a shortage of centre-backs, and Huijsen’s presence offers both a fresh option and the possibility of a different defensive balance. His return does not guarantee a starting place, however: Mourinho must weigh his form and fitness against the experience of his other candidates.
Who Will Start at Centre-Back?
Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen and Ibrahima Konate are all in contention for the central defensive positions. The final pairing will be one of the most closely watched decisions in Mourinho’s team selection, particularly because a Champions League away match can demand a different approach from a domestic fixture.
Rudiger brings experience and physical presence, qualities that can be valuable when facing pressure in a hostile stadium. Huijsen offers the coach a trusted option who has recently returned to the squad, while Konate adds another candidate to a selection that has been affected by injuries. Mourinho will need to consider not only individual ability, but also how the players complement one another and cope with Roma’s attacking threat.
There is no obvious risk-free combination. A more experienced pairing could provide stability, while including Huijsen may reward the defender’s standing with the coach and help preserve continuity in the squad. The choice could also depend on how Mourinho expects the match to unfold: Madrid may need defenders comfortable defending space, dealing with crosses and building attacks under pressure.
Injuries Continue to Shape Madrid’s Options
Militao and Mendy have returned to collective training, but their involvement against Roma is considered unlikely. Their progress is encouraging for Madrid’s longer-term plans, yet the coaching staff will be cautious about rushing either player back into competitive action. A training return is an important step in rehabilitation, but it does not necessarily mean a player is ready for the intensity of a Champions League match.
Militao’s absence is particularly relevant because he is a natural centre-back and could ease the pressure on the remaining defenders once fully fit. Mendy’s recovery would also give Mourinho another option on the left side of the defence. For now, however, Madrid must prepare for the possibility of travelling without either player available for selection.
Only Militao and Raul Asencio remain on the club’s injury list, according to the report. That relatively short list is positive, but the concentration of absences in defensive areas still leaves Madrid with limited cover where depth matters most. The situation makes Huijsen’s return more than a routine squad update: it directly affects the coach’s ability to select and rotate his back line.
Mourinho Keeps Preparations Focused in Madrid
Mourinho has returned to a familiar routine by holding the final training session in Madrid before travelling to the opposition’s city. The team is expected to complete the required media commitments at the Champions League venue, rather than adding a training session there. That approach also explains why no academy players were called up to join the first-team session at Valdebebas.
Keeping the work in Madrid allows the squad to follow its established preparation schedule and limits disruption before a demanding European away fixture. It also gives the coaching staff a final opportunity to assess the available players before confirming the matchday plans. With several defensive decisions still to be made, the last training session may carry added importance.
Roma Match Prediction: Defensive Choices Could Set the Tone
Any prediction for the Roma–Real Madrid encounter must account for the uncertainty around Madrid’s defence. The visitors have quality across the squad, but the absence of fully fit alternatives could influence their approach, especially if Roma look to test the centre-backs early and put pressure on Madrid’s defensive organisation.
If Madrid settle quickly and the selected pairing communicates well, the visitors will have a strong platform from which to control possession and create chances. If Roma can exploit gaps or force the defenders into repeated one-on-one situations, the match may become more difficult. Huijsen’s return gives Mourinho flexibility, but the coach’s decision on who partners whom could prove decisive.
The fixture is scheduled for 15 October 2026, with kick-off listed for 03:00. For Madrid supporters, the main pre-match question is clear: will Mourinho choose experience, trust Huijsen’s return, or build a partnership designed specifically to contain Roma? The answer will offer an early indication of how the coach intends to balance caution and ambition in this Champions League test.
