Tchouaméni misses France: Real Madrid regains him at Valdebebas

Aurélien Tchouaméni, of Real Madrid, has used the international break to work in Valdebebas and recover a pre-season he couldn’t complete over the summer due to an injury carried from the World Cup. He had played before the break, but wasn’t physically at 100%.

Recovery and decision

The French set-up didn’t call him because they were aware of his physical condition, something the player learned directly. José Mourinho spelled it out before the derby against Atlético: “yo no he tenido ninguna influencia en la decisión. Zidane y Tchouameni han charlado y llegado a la conclusión de que lo mejor para Aurélien es tener tiempo para hacer la pretemporada que no ha hecho”.

Role in the next games

With him now ready, Mourinho expects him to be a defensive anchor in midfield. Against Villarreal, he could even be used as a centre-back if Ibrahima Konaté isn’t fit in time.