Tchouaméni Agrees France Absence with Zidane to Focus on Recovery

Aurélien Tchouaméni will miss France’s next four matches after agreeing with new national-team manager Zinedine Zidane to use the international window for recovery and fitness work. The Real Madrid midfielder has been troubled by a groin problem and has featured only three times this season, with his sole start coming in the 3-2 loss to Elche.

France omission agreed by player and manager

Zidane did not include Tchouaméni in his first France squad, but the decision was not the result of pressure from Real Madrid. José Mourinho addressed the matter on Saturday, before Sunday’s derby, and said the club had played no part in the discussions.

Mourinho said he had neither contacted Zidane nor received a call from the France coach. He explained that the arrangement was reached directly by Zidane and Tchouaméni, who concluded that the break should be used to make up for the pre-season programme the midfielder was unable to complete.

The France manager has also indicated that Tchouaméni remains in his plans for the future, with the temporary absence intended to help the 25-year-old return in better condition.

Limited start to the Real Madrid season

Tchouaméni’s availability has been curtailed by the groin issue and the effects of an interrupted summer preparation. Mourinho believes the midfielder needs an uninterrupted period to build fitness before he can establish a more regular role in the side.

• Tchouaméni has made three Real Madrid appearances this season.
• He has started once, during the 3-2 defeat against Elche.
• France will play four fixtures during the upcoming international period.
• He will remain in Madrid rather than take on the physical workload of international matches.

For Mourinho, the international omission is a positive outcome for the club. Once the derby is complete, Tchouaméni will be granted time off before beginning his individual recovery and conditioning work.

Recovery window before Villarreal and Roma

Real Madrid do not have another match immediately after the derby, giving Tchouaméni a significant opportunity to recover. Their next fixture is against Villarreal on October 10, followed four days later by a Champions League meeting with Roma.

The gap before those matches offers Tchouaméni the chance to resolve the fitness concerns that have restricted his opening weeks. Real Madrid will hope the period allows him to return stronger and compete for a consistent starting place, while France retain him as part of Zidane’s longer-term plans.