Real Madrid News
France ‘very optimistic’ about Real Madrid star’s availability for the World Cup final
France will be taking on Argentina in the finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in a little over 24 hours. Les Bleus will be aiming to become the first nation to retain the World Cup trophy in sixty years, repeating the feat Brazil had achieved in 1962.
Heading into the game, however, Didier Deschamps’ side have been dealing with some fitness concerns as some members of the squad have been hit by a bug while a couple of players are dealing with knocks.
One such star who is currently recovering from an injury issue is midfield mainstay Aurelien Tchouameni. The Real Madrid new boy missed training on Friday due to a hip bruise leading to question marks over his involvement in the main event on Sunday.
However, according to RMC Sport (h/t Madrid Xtra), France are ‘very optimistic’ that Tchouameni will recover in time for the final against Argentina and will be available for selection for the contest.
The 22-year-old has become a key figure in the French national team setup over the past year. His importance has only grown at the World Cup due to the absence of crucial stars like N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.
Tchouameni has featured in all six matches for France at the World Cup thus far, churning out solid displays one after the other in the centre of the park. He also scored a goal in the quarter-final victory against England.
With Adrien Rabiot also only recovering from the bug that caused him to miss the semi-final versus Morocco, it becomes even more important for France that Tchouameni is fit and available for selection on Sunday.
And, as per the report, Les Bleus are confident that they will recover the Real Madrid ace in time for the meeting against Argentina.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
