Real Madrid News
Real Madrid mainstay to miss France’s Round of 16 clash through injury
France have been the pick of the FIFA World Cup so far this season and have looked like the most dominant side in the competition by some distance.
Real Madrid’s players have played an important part in Les Bleus’ success so far, with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge in attack and Aurelien Tchouameni holding the fortress in the defensive midfield.
The former has played a part in all four of France’s games in the competition so far and has shone bright with six goals and two assists to his name. Tchouameni, meanwhile, has played three games as he missed the clash against Iraq due to discomfort.
Ruled out again
As reported in a breaking update by RMC Sport (h/t The Madrid Zone), the Real Madrid midfielder is once again a doubt for France’s next game in the tournament.
The player is suffering from muscular discomfort and will preferably be handed a rest in the team’s game against Paraguay later this week, handing a massive blow to Didier Deschamps’ plans.
Tchouameni, after all, has been a mainstay this tournament alongside Adrien Rabiot in France’s midfield. With him set to miss the game, all signs point to Manu Kone, who started against Iraq, starting again.
An uncertain future
While Tchouameni is shining bright at the World Cup, Mourinho does not seem to rate him as highly as the manager has labelled the defensive midfielder transferable.
The Portuguese coach is not opposed to keeping Tchouameni in his plans but prefers that the club pocket a decent sum and reinvest it in a player more suited to his system.
Tchouameni, for his part, refuses to leave Real Madrid and wishes to stay and prove his worth to the new manager. The club, however, will not hesitate to negotiate if a promising offer arrives.
As matters stand, a figure close to €90 million is what Real Madrid are looking for, and they see the Premier League as the best destination for the player.
Needless to say, they will hope he returns to complete fitness soon and shines at the World Cup to improve the offers incoming. After all, sales are the need of the hour at the club.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
