Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starter not training with the team due to minor discomfort – report
As Real Madrid continue their preparations for the new season on their tour of the United States of America, first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sat out of training today due to minor discomfort, reports Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.
However, the journalist specifies that the Belgian international’s condition is not something to worry about. But it was preferred by the staff that the custodian work with the physios today instead of training with the group.
Real Madrid are set to face off against Manchester United in their second pre-season friendly of the US tour on Wednesday night. Now, with Courtois dealing with discomfort, it will be interesting to see whether he is fit enough to play against the Red Devils.
The 31-year-old has been a standout performer for Los Blancos in recent seasons and is the undisputed first choice between the sticks. Even though he had some fitness problems last season, Courtois ended up playing 49 times across all competitions.
As far as backup goes, Real Madrid have Andriy Lunin as their second-choice goalkeeper. The Ukrainian started in the first friendly match of the US tour against AC Milan this past weekend and ended up conceding two goals.
Lunin was also at the receiving end of a telling-off from goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis in a recent training session. While he is talented, the 24-year-old does not offer the same level of reliability as Courtois.
As such, Los Blancos will be hoping that the discomfort that the Belgian is suffering from is nothing serious and that he will be back in action as soon as possible.
It remains to be seen whether or not Courtois features against Manchester United. The Belgian is not the only Real Madrid star whose involvement is uncertain as Arda Guler is also unlikely to play in the next game as he is also dealing with a minor niggle.
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
