Aurélien Tchouaméni will not be at Clairefontaine when France begin their first camp under Zinédine Zidane on Monday, but Real Madrid see an opportunity in the midfielder’s unexpected break.
Zidane leaves Tchouaméni out of first France squad
The France coach has omitted Tchouaméni from his first selection, choosing to leave the Real Madrid player in Spain as he works back towards full fitness.
Tchouaméni’s preparation was disrupted by a muscle injury suffered during the World Cup in the United States. He was out for close to two months and has played only 180 minutes since returning.
- Tchouaméni is due to miss France’s camp beginning at Clairefontaine on Monday.
- The midfielder has recently returned from a lengthy muscle problem.
- His playing time currently stands at 180 minutes after the lay-off.
- Zidane believes it is better for him to remain with Real Madrid and continue his physical work.
Explaining the decision on Friday night, Zidane said Tchouaméni needed to complete the recovery process after missing much of his pre-season. The new France manager nevertheless made clear that the midfielder remains part of his plans for the future.
Mourinho surprised, but accepts the outcome
José Mourinho admitted he had not expected the France decision when asked about it on Saturday, on the eve of Real Madrid’s derby against Atlético Madrid.
The Real coach insisted that he had played no role in Tchouaméni’s omission. “I had no influence whatsoever,” Mourinho said, adding that neither he nor Zidane had contacted the other over the matter.
Mourinho said the two coaches had instead reached the same conclusion after discussions involving the player: Tchouaméni’s priority should be the pre-season work he was unable to complete because of injury.
Derby followed by recovery work
For Real Madrid, the timing means Tchouaméni can first be involved against Atlético before taking a short period of rest and then returning to training without the demands of international football.
Mourinho described the arrangement as beneficial for the club, with the extra days allowing the French midfielder to build towards the rest of the campaign in stronger condition.
