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According to a report by Madrid Universal on Friday November 6, 2026, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has announced his squad for Saturday's La Liga encounter against Valencia, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler returning to the team after missing the midweek UEFA Champions League fixture against AEK Athens.
Los Blancos travel to the Mestalla Stadium for their final match before the second international break of the season, knowing that a positive result would be important as they look to maintain their position in the La Liga title race.
Ahead of the difficult away fixture, Mourinho has received a timely boost with the availability of two important midfielders who were rested for the Champions League encounter.
Tchouameni and Guler were both left out of the squad that faced AEK Athens, but they are now back in contention for the trip to Valencia.
There had been some concerns surrounding Tchouameni's fitness after the French international missed Thursday's group training session. However, the midfielder returned to normal training on Friday and has subsequently been included in Mourinho's squad.
Guler has also returned after being rested, giving the Portuguese manager more options as he prepares his team for what could be a challenging encounter at Mestalla.
Their availability will be particularly important for Real Madrid, considering the quality and versatility both players bring to the midfield.
Tchouameni provides physical strength, defensive protection and the ability to control the middle of the pitch, while Guler offers creativity, technical quality and an attacking threat in the final third.
However, Real Madrid will have to manage the match without Vinicius Jr., who remains unavailable because of suspension.
The Brazilian winger will serve the final match of his four-game La Liga ban against Valencia, meaning Mourinho will have to find another attacking option to fill the gap left by one of his most influential players.
Vinicius did not participate in Friday's training session with the rest of the squad, having travelled to Dubai for a commercial commitment.
His absence represents a significant setback for Real Madrid, especially considering his ability to create chances, beat defenders and make a difference in important matches.
Meanwhile, Mourinho will also be without Raul Asencio and Rodrygo, who remain unavailable because of injuries.
Ferland Mendy is another notable absentee, with the French defender yet to return to the first-team squad as he continues working towards regaining full fitness.
The continued absence of these players means Mourinho will have to make important decisions regarding his defensive and attacking selections ahead of the Valencia encounter.
There is also a place in the squad for youngster Thiago Pitarch, who continues to train with the first team despite still waiting for an opportunity to make his senior appearance under Mourinho.
The youngster's continued involvement suggests that the manager is keeping him within the first-team setup, although it remains unclear whether he will be given minutes against Valencia.
Saturday's meeting will be Real Madrid's final opportunity to secure three points before the international break, making the fixture an important one for Mourinho and his players.
Valencia will be hoping to take advantage of their home support at Mestalla, while Real Madrid will be determined to avoid dropping points before their players depart for international duty.
With Tchouameni and Guler back in contention, Mourinho has received a welcome boost ahead of the encounter. However, the absence of Vinicius, Rodrygo, Asencio and Mendy means the manager will still have several selection issues to address.