Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield mainstay to miss home opener against Real Sociedad
Real Madrid are preparing to make their long-awaited home debut of the new La Liga season, but Aurelien Tchouameni is increasingly unlikely to be part of the occasion.
As per MARCA, the French midfielder did not train with the rest of the squad on the eve of the Real Sociedad clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, casting further doubt over his availability.
After already missing the league opener against Espanyol, Tchouameni now looks set to sit out another important fixture.
His absence is particularly notable because there had been signs of progress.
The Real Madrid midfielder returned to group training yesterday, raising hopes that he was moving closer to a return.
However, his failure to train again today suggests the club is not yet ready to push him back into action.
Tchouameni’s return has been delayed
Tchouameni had recovered from a minor injury last week and was able to train with the group before the match against Espanyol.
However, that did not convince Mourinho to include him.
The Real Madrid manager felt the midfielder was still short of full fitness and chose to leave him behind rather than risk aggravating the problem.
His return to training yesterday appeared to be another step forward, but today’s absence from the group has made the situation clear once again.
Simply put, Tchouameni is still working his way back.
The expectation is that he will once again miss the Real Madrid squad for the Real Sociedad game, although the final decision will depend on Mourinho and the medical staff.
Mourinho explains Real Madrid are protecting him
Speaking before the match, Mourinho offered a detailed explanation of why Real Madrid have chosen to take a cautious approach.
The Portuguese coach pointed to the physical demands Tchouameni faced during the World Cup and made it clear that the midfielder has already pushed himself hard.
“He’s been through a lot at the World Cup – that’s what the World Cup is like. He gave it his all. He played his heart out in the semi-finals.
“There’s a problem: the player wants to and could have carried on, but we believe he needs to start the season at 100 per cent.
“We’ve decided, together with him and the coaching staff, that he should wait, so that he can return a week or two later, but at 100 per cent,” said the manager
Tchouameni himself is willing to return, but Mourinho wants him physically ready to handle the demands of the season before putting him back on the pitch.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid to honour two World Cup winners at Santiago Bernabeu during Real Sociedad clash
Real Madrid started their La Liga campaign on a winning note, with a late 2-1 win over Espanyol thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi.
They are now set to welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be their second league game of the season.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping for a more cohesive performance than the one against Espanyol and to see more positives against the Basque club.
Now, according to COPE, Los Blancos are set to stage a special tribute at the Bernabeu, with Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal due to be recognised for winning the World Cup with Spain.
The trophy itself will be present at the Bernabeu tomorrow as part of the ceremony, adding extra significance to the occasion.
Cucurella to receive Real Madrid tribute
Cucurella will be honoured by Real Madrid after returning from the tournament as a world champion.
The left-back joined Madrid this summer and has quickly become one of the most high-profile additions to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
For the club, the tribute is a chance to celebrate both the achievement of one of their own players and Spain’s success on the biggest international stage.
It should also offer Cucurella a memorable Bernabeu moment early in his Madrid career.
Oyarzabal to be recognised by Real Sociedad
Mikel Oyarzabal will also be part of the celebrations, although his recognition will come from Real Sociedad.
COPE reports that both clubs will take part in honouring their respective World Cup winners, creating a shared moment before attention turns back to domestic competition.
Oyarzabal was one of Spain’s key figures during the tournament and remains one of Real Sociedad’s most important players.
For supporters inside the Bernabeu, it will be a rare opportunity to see the World Cup up close while celebrating two players who helped Spain lift it.
While most of the attention in the Bernabeu will understandably be on Cucurella, the fans should also take the opportunity to honour Oyarzabal.
Cucurella has arrived at the club not only as a major signing for the Mourinho era but as a world champion, and he is yet to get started properly in his Los Blancos career.
Tomorrow would give him the opportunity to receive the love that the Bernabeu gives him and use it as motivation to continue having memorable nights at the stadium in the seasons to come.
