Early September brought two weeks of National Team match days.
With Queiroz retained, the National Team began a new World Cup cycle. The two September friendlies focused mainly on evaluating domestic internationals, with no European-based internationals called up.
But during this period, Yang Yang did not take a break. Instead, he threw himself into training even more diligently.
He continued training as usual, with two sessions every day, six hours of grueling practice. He trained desperately because he hoped to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
AS and Marca both ran prominent reports on Yang Yang training at Valdebebas, saying that he was fired up and desperate to play. Both newspapers, which were close to Real Madrid, suggested that he would likely return in La Liga's third round, when Real Madrid hosted Atletico Madrid.
"It's the City Derby. There can be no mistakes. Yang Yang is in excellent form, and Ancelotti has no reason not to use him."
Marca also revealed that Yang Yang's continued absence at the start of the new season had attracted attention not only from the media and fans, but also from Real Madrid's internal management. Even sponsors such as Nike and Adidas were closely following the matter and demanding a reasonable explanation from Real Madrid.
"Pressure from every side may well force Ancelotti to compromise and let Yang Yang return to the pitch as soon as possible."
Yet after the two-week National Team break, when the many internationals returned to Madrid to prepare for the weekend's home match against Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti officially announced the squad list.
What shocked all the media and fans—even Real Madrid itself—was that Yang Yang was once again absent from the squad!
At a press conference, Ancelotti told the media that there was no problem or conflict between