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Real Madrid have been given a significant three-player fitness boost ahead of their Champions League encounter with Inter Milan.

Images from training confirmed that Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick have all rejoined team sessions under Jose Mourinho.

The timing could hardly have been better for Mourinho, who was beginning to run short of midfield options for the Champions League fixture.

Madrid are getting ready for a major European challenge after suffering their first defeat of the season against Real Betis.

Tchouameni’s return is arguably the most important development of the lot.

The France midfielder had been managing groin discomfort, with Madrid keen not to take any unnecessary risks regarding his comeback.

Aurelien Tchouameni has been sidelined with injury for some time now.

Mourinho values his physicality and his ability to bring balance to midfield, qualities that could prove especially important against Inter.

His return to full group training does not necessarily mean he will go straight into the starting XI, particularly after spending a spell out injured.

Even so, in the current situation, having the Frenchman available, even if only as a substitute option, would be hugely valuable.

Thiago Pitarch has also returned to training, giving Mourinho another alternative in an area where he has had to cope with multiple absences.

Endrick’s return to group training is another positive update for Madrid.

The Brazilian has faced stronger competition for chances this season, but being back in full training gives him an opportunity to begin working his way back into Mourinho’s plans.

Madrid’s loss to Betis also underlined why depth in attack is so important. Carlos Espi made an instant impact off the bench and even had a stunning equaliser disallowed.

Endrick will be eager to recover some lost ground on Carlos Espi.

Endrick is expected to battle with the Spaniard for a place on the bench, and he will be determined to close the gap on his team-mate after falling behind.

For Mourinho, the main task will be to judge how much each returning player can realistically offer, rather than immediately pushing them back into heavy minutes.

The match against Inter is also expected to be played at a high tempo, and it may not be the wisest move to throw returning players straight into such demanding conditions.

Even so, having Tchouameni, Pitarch and Endrick all back in team training at the same time is excellent news for Madrid.

It now remains to be seen what Jose Mourinho has in mind for them and how he plans to use the trio over the coming weeks.