Carlo Ancelotti reveals Endrick's problem for minutes at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti says Endrick will have to continue biding his time for minutes at Real Madrid due to the quality of established options already at the coach's disposal.

The 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy has featured in six games for Los Blancos in all competitions since his move from Palmeiras became official earlier this year, all coming as a substitute and none lasting longer than his ten-minute cameo against Suttgart in the Champions League in midweek.

While he has scored twice in limited game time, Endrick faces a tough task in displacing any of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo from the starting XI this season.

Speaking after Saturday's 4-1 victory over Espanyol, Ancelotti revealed: "He's training really well, he has such quality, but Rodrygo, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are all here. He'll have to be patient."

Mbappe arrived as Madrid's marquee signing during the summer transfer window, finally putting an end to one of the longest sagas in recent memory. Vinicius has developed into one of the best players in the world at the Bernabeu, while Rodrygo's versatility means he is often the third forward included in Ancelotti's attack.

As well as that feared front three, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz are also pushing for minutes, though the latter is currently sidelined by an adductor injury which could keep him out of action for up to three months.

Ancelotti also remains without experienced defender David Alaba, while midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos aren't expected to be fully fit until early October.

While Endrick is having to make do with minimal opportunities, he has shown in quality during those brief windows. He scored his first Madrid goal in a 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid, having entered the fray as an 86th-minute substitute, and wrapped up the triumph over Stuttgart in midweek with another stoppage time strike.

READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP