Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid and France player
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Aurelien Tchouameni’s World Cup campaign was marred by an injury that saw him miss a few key knockout fixtures.
He did return to action against Spain in the semifinal but the French team was completely outplayed by Luis de la Fuente’s men.
Since then, Tchouameni’s fitness has been a subject of much debate, and it appears the midfielder is still suffering from a knock.
A recent report from Arancha Rodriguez has confirmed that Tchouameni is indeed struggling with minor muscle issues.
Tchouameni was a part of the France team at the World Cup. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
With the season just around the corner, this should be a point of concern for Real Madrid. But the journalist suggests the midfielder should be ready when the new season kicks off.
The French international is expected to train individually over the next few days before he is prepared for group training.
Overall, Tchouameni should have ample time to get back to full fitness by the time Real Madrid kickstart their campaign.
The Spanish giants are slated to face Espanyol in their league opener on August 22.
Injury woes aside, Tchouameni is one of the players who have been linked with a move away from Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid and France player
Tchouameni will play a critical role for Real Madrid in the new season. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
But it appears that is no longer a concern as the team values his credentials and therefore, he is expected to stay at the club.
The equation could have been different in Real Madrid had succeeded in signing Rodri. But the Manchester City superstar has opted to join Barcelona instead.
That clears the way for Tchouameni to become a key operator for Los Blancos next season. He will be the main bridge between defence and the attack.
However, the French has faced criticism for his rather slow nature of play as he takes too much time circulating possession from defence to attack. That is something he needs to work on, especially if Real Madrid are to start the season without a proper holding midfielder like Rodri.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Real Madrid returned to training on Monday as preparations for the new season continued, but Jude Bellingham was notably absent from the session at Valdebebas.
The England international’s absence attracted attention, particularly with Real Madrid preparing for Wednesday’s match against Deportivo La Coruña in the Teresa Herrera Trophy.
However, there is no injury concern surrounding the midfielder.
According to an update from journalist Arancha Rodríguez, via Defensa Central, Bellingham remained in London because of commercial commitments and had been given permission to return to Real Madrid training later.
The midfielder is expected back with his teammates shortly, meaning his absence is not considered a setback for Jose Mourinho’s preparations.
Real Madrid began another important week of pre-season work on Monday, with several first-team players returning to training.
This time, Kylian Mbappe, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Aurelien Tchouameni all joined the group, while the session also marked the beginning of another stage in Mourinho’s preparations for the new campaign.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Bellingham had commercial commitments in London. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bellingham, however, was not present.
That led to questions among supporters, but Rodriguez clarified that the Real Madrid No.5 had been given additional time away from the club because of a commercial commitment in London.
“Bellingham had a shoot in London today. He has leave until Wednesday.
“I understand he’ll be returning early and will train with the rest of the team tomorrow.”
The explanation means there is no indication that Bellingham is dealing with a physical problem.
The England midfielder simply had permission from Real Madrid to remain in London before returning to Spain.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid player
Bellingham will return to Real Madrid in the next few days. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
His extended leave also means he can now rejoin the squad without any major disruption to Mourinho’s preseason plans.
While Bellingham remained in England, Mourinho was able to work with several important players for the first time during this phase of preseason.
Mbappe, Diomande, Konate and Cucurella all took part in their first training session under the Portuguese manager, while Tchouaméni also returned to the group.
Rodríguez highlighted the development, stating,
“First training session under Mourinho for Mbappe, Diomande, Konate and Cucurella. Tchoaumeni finally joined today as well. They all had until Wednesday to return.”
The arrivals give Mourinho more of his squad to work with as he attempts to establish his ideas before the start of the season.