Aurélien Tchouameni, captain during the October match, will not join the French team next Monday in Clairefontaine. The Real Madrid midfielder, who suffered a sprained left ankle on Tuesday evening in the Champions League, according to our information will miss a month of matches and therefore will not be called up by Didier Deschamps this Thursday for the Champions League of Nations matches against Israel and Italy on November 14th and 17th. Real Madrid confirmed the injury via a press release this Wednesday afternoon, without mentioning the duration of the unavailability.
The former Monegasque (36 appearances, 3 goals), who came off at half-time of the match against Milan (1-3) after receiving a knock, limped off. This morning he underwent tests which confirmed the nature of his injury. Appearing in great difficulty in the first period against Lombardi, Tchouameni has played 15 games this season for Merengue, including 14 as a starter in all competitions. He had missed only one La Liga match, on 14 September away to Real Sociedad (0-2), due to a foot injury.
For this gathering, Didier Deschamps recorded, however, in midfield, the combined returns of Adrien Rabiot (48 appearances) and N’Golo Kanté, both not called up in October. Without a club in September, the “Duke” has since signed a contract with OM, but had only played two half-hours with Marseille before the October list was announced. Deschamps had judged it ”wiser for him if he had had a few more weeks to improve his condition”. Starting from the last three matches of the Marseille club, he continues his rise and gradually approaches his best level.
N’Golo Kanté, captain in September against Belgium when Kylian Mbappé took over (2-0), but absent in October due to injury, should bring his experience (63 appearances) to two matches which should logically allow France, who are five points ahead of Belgium (3rd) in their group, to secure qualification for the League of Nations quarter-finals.
Time.news Interview: The Impact of Aurélien Tchouameni’s Injury on French Football
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and welcome to our interview segment. Today, we’re delving into a major development in the world of football: Aurélien Tchouameni’s recent injury. Joining us is Christophe Lemaitre, a renowned sports journalist and football analyst. Christophe, thank you for being here.
Christophe Lemaitre: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a significant topic for both Real Madrid and the French national team.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. Tchouameni has been a rising star in football, so his absence will be felt. Can you elaborate on how pivotal he has been for the French team, especially considering he was the captain during their last match?
Christophe Lemaitre: Absolutely. Tchouameni has not only established himself as a key player with his performances, but he has also brought leadership qualities, particularly after being named captain in October. His ability to control the midfield, coupled with his defensive skills and vision for transitioning into attack, makes him an invaluable asset. The fact that he has 36 appearances and three goals underlines his contribution. His leadership on the pitch creates stability and confidence among the players.
Interviewer: Yes, and with the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, how do you think his absence will impact the team’s strategy and performance?
Christophe Lemaitre: It’s a significant blow. Tchouameni’s absence means Didier Deschamps will have to rethink his strategy. He might lean towards players like Adrien Rabiot or Marco Verratti for those matches. While they are talented, they play differently and may not offer the same level of defensive security alongside the attacking contributions that Tchouameni provides.
Interviewer: Given the timeline—he’s expected to miss around a month of action—how might this affect his club duties at Real Madrid as well?
Christophe Lemaitre: That’s a crucial aspect. Real Madrid is facing a tough schedule, and losing a player of his caliber can disrupt their rhythm. They’ll have to rely more on other midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga or Toni Kroos. This injury could also ripple through their Champions League campaign. With key matches approaching, the depth of their squad will be tested.
Interviewer: Real Madrid confirmed the injury on their end, but they did not specify a duration of absence. What do you think this indicates about the club’s recovery process for players?
Christophe Lemaitre: Clubs often prefer not to give specific timelines for recoveries to maintain a level of unpredictability regarding player returns. It can also be a strategic move to minimize pressure on the medical team and the player. Generally, for ankle sprains, recovery can take time depending on the severity, so this cautious approach might be to ensure Tchouameni isn’t rushed back before he’s fully fit.
Interviewer: That makes sense. what do you think the immediate consequences are for Tchouameni personally, given that he’s been a regular starter in such high-stakes matches?
Christophe Lemaitre: Missing these matches can be disappointing for a young player like Tchouameni, especially when he has established himself so prominently on both the club and international levels. It will be a test of his resolve and determination. However, players often use this downtime for mental and physical recovery, and it can sometimes fuel an even stronger comeback. Let’s hope this experience allows him to return energized and ready to contribute once again.
Interviewer: Great insights, Christophe! Thank you for sharing your expertise on this situation. It’s a tough break for Tchouameni, but a chance for the team to discover new dynamics as well.
Christophe Lemaitre: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the beautiful game.
Interviewer: And that wraps up our interview today. Keep an eye on how this develops as we look forward to the Nations League matches and the ongoing season.