Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder issues concerning injury update: ‘It’s bad’
In the lead-up to France’s Round of 16 clash against Paraguay, Aurelien Tchouameni suffered a major setback when he picked up an injury during training.
Initial assessment suggested that he would be out for a period of around four days, which ruled him out for the Round of 16 clash against Paraguay, with Manu Kone starting.
However, it appears Tchouameni’s injury could be worse than thought, as the midfielder himself has hinted that things are not looking too good.
Tchouameni’s grim update on his injury
In the wake of France’s narrow win over Paraguay in the Round of 16, Tchouameni was asked about his injury.
In response, the Real Madrid midfielder offered a rather grim update, stating, “My injury? It’s bad.” (h/t Madrid Zone).
This is not the update for a player who was expected to be sidelined only for a few days and was expected to be in contention for the quarterfinal clash against Morocco.
Tchouameni’s tone suggests he could be sidelined for a longer period, potentially even impeding a semifinal clash. However, these are still early times, and a conclusive update on the midfielder’s fitness is yet to come.
How has Tchouameni performed in the World Cup so far?
This is, nevertheless, disappointing for a player who has been a lynchpin in the French midfield in the World Cup so far.
Before the Paraguay clash, Tchouameni had started all but one match for Les Blues, playing a key role in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot.
The Real Madrid star had even picked up an assist in the 4-1 win over Norway. He was expected to play a crucial role against Paraguay as well.
But it appears the midfielder will now have to wait anxiously as he looks to recover as fast as possible. It must be noted that France would prefer a fitter Kone ahead of Tchouameni, even if he manages to recover from his injury.
The next few days, therefore, could be critical as far as Tchouameni’s participation in this World Cup is concerned. Real Madrid, too, will be keeping a close eye.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
