Real Madrid have included new signing Yan Diomande in their squad for the first time as they prepare to face Schalke in their final pre-season friendly before the new La Liga campaign begins.

The Spanish giants will travel to Gelsenkirchen for Sunday’s encounter, which represents their final opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of their league opener against Espanyol on August 22.

Diomande, who recently joined Madrid from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to €140 million including bonuses, is among several players returning to the squad after their involvement at the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have also been named, alongside Marc Cucurella, Thibaut Courtois and Ibrahima Konate.

The return of several key players gives coach Jose Mourinho a stronger squad to assess before competitive football resumes.

The friendly will also provide supporters with an early opportunity to see how the club’s new recruits fit into Mourinho’s plans.

Real Madrid have made significant changes to their squad following two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.

The club has invested heavily in strengthening the team, with Diomande among the headline additions alongside Cucurella and Konate.

The Schalke fixture could therefore offer important clues about Mourinho’s preferred line-up and how quickly the newcomers can adapt to their new surroundings.

For Diomande, however, the game presents an especially significant moment as he targets his first appearance in Madrid colours.