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Aurelien Tchouameni Faces Minimum Three-Week Absence Due to Thigh Injury
Real Madrid’s central midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni, is set to be sidelined for at least three weeks following a thigh muscle strain sustained during the recent Champions League fixture against Liverpool.
Details of the Injury and Immediate Impact
Tchouameni completed the entire match at Anfield, where Madrid suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat. However, post-match, he reported discomfort in his left thigh. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed a strain to the semitendinosus muscle, necessitating a recovery period away from competitive action.
Upcoming Matches He Will Miss
This injury rules him out of the upcoming La Liga encounter against Rayo Vallecano this weekend, as well as the November 23 fixture versus Elche. Additionally, France’s national team coach Didier Deschamps excluded Tchouameni from the 24-man squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, reflecting the severity of his condition.
Return Timeline and Squad Adjustments
Medical staff are optimistic that Tchouameni could return in time for Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Olympiacos on November 26. If not, he is expected to be available for the La Liga game at Girona four days later. This setback comes at a challenging moment in the season, given Madrid’s congested fixture schedule.
Implications for Real Madrid’s Midfield Dynamics
Coach Xabi Alonso will feel the absence keenly, as Tchouameni has been instrumental in shielding the defense and orchestrating play from his midfield position. His consistent performances have made him one of the standout players this season.
In his absence, fellow French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is likely to assume a more prominent role, while Dani Ceballos may also see increased minutes to help fill the void.
Positive Update: Federico Valverde’s Fitness Confirmed
On a brighter note, Federico Valverde, who has been deployed at right-back recently, avoided injury after being substituted late in the Liverpool match. Initial concerns about a possible muscle strain have been dismissed following medical assessments, allowing him to remain available for selection.
Contextual Insight
Injuries to key midfielders like Tchouameni can significantly affect Real Madrid’s tactical setup, especially as the team navigates a demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions. Maintaining squad depth and flexibility will be crucial for Alonso as the season progresses.
