Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Aurelien Tchouameni’s return from an injury layoff is progressing slowly but steadily.
According to AS, Real Madrid are taking no chances with the French midfielder as he works his way back to full fitness following a complicated injury.
Tchouameni played 11 minutes against Inter Milan last week and another 21 minutes against Rayo Vallecano three days ago.
As things stand, he is not expected to start against Elche later tonight, but he will feature as part of a carefully planned progression.
Mourinho wants Tchouameni back at full strength
The intention is for him to play around 30 minutes or a littlemore against Elche, allowing him to build up his workload while keeping a bigger target in sight: a possible start against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano later this weekend.
A final decision has not yet been made. His physical condition and how he feels during the coming days will ultimately determine whether he is ready to start in the derby.
Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Tchouameni returned to action against Inter Milan. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Tchouameni will definitely get more minutes. He’s getting better and better, stronger and more confident. He will play, but I wouldn’t say how many minutes,” Jose Mourinho said in his press conference.
The most likely scenario is for Tchouameni to enter shortly after half-time, around the hour mark, regardless of the match situation. His ability to provide defensive structure makes him useful in almost any scenario.
Real Madrid’s coaching staff are particularly keen to see the organisation and control he can bring to midfield. Protecting the area in front of the defence has been one of the team’s weaknesses during the opening matches of the season.
A carefully controlled return
Tchouameni first reported discomfort in his thigh 73 days ago, during the build-up to France’s World Cup last-16 match against Paraguay.
He had already been experiencing some discomfort in the weeks beforehand and later took a risk by playing against Spain in the semi-finals. Ultimately, he left the tournament injured.
His holiday was subsequently dominated by physiotherapy sessions, while the injury also ruled him out of the beginning of both the La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France
Real Madrid being very careful with Tchouameni. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
For now, Tchouameni is following an individual programme designed above all to prevent another setback.
The process has involved extensive gym work and physiotherapy, as well as individual sessions on the training pitch at the club’s training ground.
Although he has gone several weeks without pain, the medical and coaching staff remain extremely cautious. His minutes are being monitored closely and increased gradually.
Real Madrid consider him a key figure in the squad. Mourinho intends to rotate extensively in the double pivot, but Tchouameni is expected to feature in the biggest matches.
The expectation is that he will pass the half-hour mark against Elche. If his recovery continues without complications, he could then have a serious chance of starting at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid summer signing wins the battle for starting spot under Mourinho
Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid player
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Denzel Dumfries has emerged as the clear winner of Real Madrid’s early-season battle for the right-back position, with Jose Mourinho trusting the Dutchman ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
According to MARCA, Dumfries has established himself as Mourinho’s preferred option after having started five of Madrid’s first six matches.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has started only one game at full-back, with the manager also testing him in midfield during the meeting with Inter.
The early selection pattern suggests this is not just simple rotation. Rather, Mourinho appears to have identified the qualities he wants on the right side of his defence, and Dumfries currently fits that profile better.
Why Mourinho is leaning towards Dumfries
Dumfries offers the physical presence and defensive aggression that Mourinho values in an intense, direct side.
His ability to compete in one-on-one situations, protect his flank and maintain his structure without the ball has given him an advantage.
Denzel Dumfries, Real Madrid player
Dumfries has won over Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold offers a very different skill set. His passing range, ball control and ability to dictate attacks from deep remain among the strongest attributes of his game.
In fact, few full-backs can match the Englishman for long-distance distribution or accuracy.
The problem for him is that Mourinho appears unwilling to sacrifice defensive security to maximise those qualities.
The manager’s preference so far has been for a right-back who can provide greater reliability when Madrid do not have possession.
That explains why Alexander-Arnold was given an opportunity in central midfield against Inter.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid player
Trent Alexander-Arnold is yet to settle at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The position potentially allows him to influence the game with his passing without placing the same defensive demands on him as the full-back role.
Atletico test could strengthen Dumfries’ case
Alexander-Arnold has also yet to completely settle into life in Madrid, despite arriving a season earlier than Dumfries, who, by contrast, has become a regular presence in Mourinho’s starting XI.
The next two fixtures could reveal whether that hierarchy is becoming permanent.
Dumfries is expected to start against Atletico Madrid, a physically demanding fixture in which Mourinho is likely to value his defensive strength and aggression.
The more intriguing decision could come against Elche. With the opposition expected to pose a different challenge, Mourinho could see an opportunity to rotate and give Alexander-Arnold another chance to prove his value.