Jose Mourinho remains demanding in every session, determined not to ease the intensity despite the reduced numbers. Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy all remain sidelined with longer-term issues.
Mendy is the closest of the three to returning to full training, having stepped onto the grass this morning for the first time since undergoing surgery. The left-back had fought his way back into the side last season under Alvaro Arbeloa despite a torrid run of injuries, only to suffer a further setback that prevented him from fully repaying his coach's faith.
He returned to the team against Manchester City after a largely blank campaign, before picking up another injury and requiring surgery, this time performed by Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, the same specialist who treated Kylian Mbappe.
Mendy is expected to be out for between four and five months following surgery on a torn rectus femoris tendon in his right leg. It promises to be a difficult campaign for the Frenchman, who will already be starting late because of the injury and now faces fresh competition following Real Madrid's signing of Marc Cucurella, one of the finest left-backs in the game. Alvaro Carreras, signed only a year ago, is also expected to remain part of the squad.
An exit for Mendy this summer looks complicated given he is recovering from a serious injury. It remains clear that, in good health, he is a key player, having been given the starting role by both Ancelotti and Arbeloa when fit. He also renewed his contract until 2028 at the Italian coach's request, and does not currently envisage a departure from the club either.
The injury represents another frustrating setback in a career that has been repeatedly disrupted by fitness problems over the past two seasons. Real Madrid's medical staff will be keen to ensure a gradual, carefully managed return given his history, even if the club's investment in defensive reinforcements this summer means Mendy will not be short of competition once he is finally available for selection again.