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Beyond the uncertainty surrounding Vinícius Júnior and the excitement around Yan Diomande, another Real Madrid winger is quietly making his way back into José Mourinho's plans: Rodrygo.
The Brazilian's 2025–26 campaign came to a premature end after he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in March. The injury not only ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup but also kept him away from the opening chapter of Mourinho's second stint at the Bernabéu.
That crushing blow was a significant factor behind Real Madrid's pursuit of Diomande last summer, as the club looked to cover the void on the right flank left by both Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono, who departed on loan to Fiorentina.
Given how impressively the Côte d'Ivoire international has performed across both wings, Rodrygo has faded into near obscurity. Yet the 25-year-old's prolonged absence is drawing to a close.
The Athletic reports that Rodrygo is on course to return following the Christmas break. If his rehabilitation stays on schedule, the forward will be back in contention for the second half of the season after more than 300 days on the injury list.
Is There Still Room for Rodrygo at Real Madrid?
Not so long ago, Rodrygo's name dominated European transfer talk, with speculation mounting over a high-profile move to the Premier League after he fell out of Carlo Ancelotti's favor toward the end of the 2024–25 season.
Rodrygo brushed aside those tempting offers and committed to fighting for his place under new manager Xabi Alonso. However, the Spaniard largely mirrored his predecessor's approach, restricting the winger's playing time — until a strong winter spell saw Rodrygo rediscover his best form. That momentum was short-lived, as injuries in January and February derailed his progress before his season was ultimately cut short in March.
When Rodrygo was sidelined, his primary competition for the right wing spot was Brahim Díaz and Mastantuono. The former never truly threatened Rodrygo's standing in the squad hierarchy, while the latter barely featured under Álvaro Arbeloa. The route back into the starting lineup appeared straightforward.
Diomande's arrival, however, has transformed the landscape entirely. The youngster, who has contributed to eight goals in his last 10 outings, is performing at such a high level that many believe he will keep Vinícius Jr. on the bench even when the No. 7 returns from suspension.
Even in a scenario where that doesn't happen, Diomande will still hold his place in the XI — this time on the right wing, the very position Rodrygo is hoping to reclaim in the new year. Realistically, though, the Brazilian has little chance of dislodging a fully fit Diomande, particularly after nearly a year away from competitive football.
If Rodrygo is content with a squad rotation role, then his situation is manageable. But if he harbors ambitions of featuring in Real Madrid's biggest matches on the grandest stages, he may find himself deeply, deeply let down.
Mastantuono's anticipated return next summer will only present yet another obstacle to his comeback bid. And that's before factoring in whatever exciting new attacker — ideally a left winger — Los Blancos might bring in ahead of the 2027–28 campaign.
Leaving the Spanish capital in 2025 may not have been the right call, but Rodrygo could be facing some uncomfortable truths two years down the line.