Endrick’s setback, another opportunity for Gonzalo

The start of the Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid hasn't been ideal for Endrick, but it's been a dream come true for Gonzalo. 

The Brazilian forward, who had very limited playing time under Carlo Ancelotti in his first season with the club, will now miss another two months after suffering a relapse of the serious muscle injury he sustained just before the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG.

Gonzalo, a product of the club's academy, has taken full advantage of the opportunity presented by Xabi Alonso and the team's circumstances. 

He emerged as one of the biggest positives for Madrid during the Club World Cup, starting every match, scoring four goals in six appearances, and finishing as the tournament's top scorer.

Endrick, formerly of Palmeiras, initially suffered a hamstring tendon injury in his right leg during the second-to-last La Liga match against Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. He suffered a setback while nearing the final stage of his recovery.

This latest physical setback will sideline Endrick until mid-September and gives Gonzalo a valuable window to gain ground in the competition for a spot in Real Madrid’s squad ahead of the new season. 

Last season, Endrick played a total of 847 minutes across 37 matches—only eight of them as a starter—and scored seven goals.

Real Madrid will return to training on August 4 to begin an accelerated preseason in preparation for their La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19.