Mourinho promises Trent and Dumfries more playing time and discusses Vini challenge

Mourinho promises Trent and Dumfries playing time after benching them for Valverde; one will start Sunday vs Racing Santander.

José Mourinho acknowledged the difficult situation at right-back for Real Madrid, where he has two world-class options in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries but has been fielding captain Federico Valverde in recent weeks.

"It hurts me too," Mourinho said, explaining that he wanted each position covered by two players when assembling the squad but has now deployed a third option. He views Valverde as a more attacking right-back than the other two currently and has explained this reasoning to both Trent and Dumfries, who have accepted it. "Everyone will play eventually," he promised.

Mourinho confirmed that one of the two specialist right-backs will start Sunday's match against Racing Santander, with Valverde rested from the position. He does not expect either player to request a departure over their reduced minutes. Separately, Mourinho faces another selection puzzle with Vinícius Júnior serving a two-match suspension; summer signing Yan Diomande has impressed defensively in his absence, raising questions about the Brazilian's role when he returns against Celta Vigo on November 21.