Los Blancos have enjoyed an impressive run of form, winning eight consecutive matches in all competitions before the November international break. Their improved performances have coincided with a much healthier squad.

Federico Valverde is the only Real Madrid player to have missed a match this season because of a new muscle injury.

That represents a remarkable improvement on the same stage last season, when the club had recorded 39 injury-related absences. The figure rose to 62 when players carrying problems from the previous campaign or pre-season were included.

Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Franco Mastantuono were among those affected.

Rodrygo, Thiago Pitarch, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio have also experienced fitness problems this season, although their injuries date back to before the campaign began.

Mourinho's approach to physical preparation and squad management appears to be making a difference. The Portuguese coach has placed considerable emphasis on monitoring individual training workloads and carefully managing players' minutes.

Having more players available has allowed Madrid to maintain greater consistency in their starting line-up, helping the squad develop a better understanding of Mourinho's tactical demands.

The manager has also been effective in spreading playing time across his squad, although Kylian Mbappe has been one of the few exceptions, regularly completing the full 90 minutes.

Keeping the squad fit will be important as the season progresses, particularly with Madrid competing on several fronts.

Mourinho's methods have produced encouraging early results, but the real test will be whether the club can maintain their improved injury record over the coming months.

Real Madrid return to La Liga action after the international break when they host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, 21 November.

Hugo Broos dispels notion Bafana are overly reliant on Sundowns players