Endrick's entourage 'surprised' by bench role as key reason given for Brazilian's lack of game time at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti

Even though he impressed with debut goals in La Liga and the Champions League after joining Ancelotti's squad in the summer from Palmeiras, the 18-year-old's playing time has been spread thin. In 11 La Liga matches, he has clocked up just 71 minutes in total, faring slightly better in the Champions League with 78 minutes on the field spread across three appearances.

The Brazil international's role as a frequent substitute has caught many at the Santiago Bernabeu by "surprise," The Athletic reports. Even Vinicius Junior's muscle injury - the winger has been for all of December - has not opened the path to more playing time for Endrick, with Ancelotti deciding opting to set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation and partnering 19-year-old Arda Guler with Rodrygo up front as Madrid face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, leaving no room for another forward. The report adds that Madrid staff say that Endrick is training well but is "yet to fully learn his tactical responsibilities"

Madrid are currently bogged down with injuries in various areas, with fellow attacker Kylian Mbappe also missing. As are defenders Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba.

Endrick will hope he gets another chance to shine by coming off the bench in Saturday's clash as Madrid look to leapfrog Barcelona in La Liga ahead of the latter's clash against Leganes the following day.