Tchouaméni Boost for Real Madrid Ahead of La Liga Opener

Real Madrid’s midfield plans for the start of the season have cleared up at just the right moment. Aurélien Tchouaméni, briefly a doubt days before La Liga kicks off, is now expected to be ready for action.

The French international had been sidelined with a muscle strain that forced him out of recent group sessions at Valdebebas. After returning late from World Cup duty with France, he initially worked away from the squad, managing the problem with individual exercises while the rest of the team stepped up their pre-season rhythm.

The concern was obvious: a key piece of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield structure, short on collective minutes, nursing a muscular issue with the league opener looming.

That worry has eased.

Spanish journalist Arancha Rodríguez reported on Cope radio on Sunday that Tchouaméni should be fit to face Espanyol next Saturday, when Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign away from home. His recovery has progressed steadily, and the club now expects him to be available for selection.

The timeline has been tight. Tchouaméni rejoined Madrid training after his World Cup commitments, only for the muscle problem to halt his integration with the group. He was kept on a tailored programme, building up strength and fitness alone before gradually edging back toward full involvement.

Now, just as the competitive games arrive, he is close to a complete return.

Before that Espanyol test, Real Madrid still have one final dress rehearsal. Los Blancos meet German side Schalke on Sunday in their last friendly of pre-season, a final chance to fine-tune shape and rhythm before the real business starts.

Whether Tchouaméni is thrown straight into that game or kept in reserve for the league opener, his imminent availability changes the outlook of Madrid’s midfield. With La Liga about to get underway, Ancelotti’s options suddenly look a lot healthier.