According to a recent report from SPORT, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is facing some significant hurdles when it comes to his potential participation in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. The French player’s condition has been a topic of concern, especially after he was seen walking with assistance during Real Madrid’s league title celebrations. This observation suggests that Tchouameni is encountering difficulties in recovering from a painful injury.
The injury in question, a stress injury, occurred during the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich. With a little over 15 days left until the final match, Tchouameni is now confronted with the daunting challenge of regaining full fitness after an extended period of recuperation. Moreover, there looms the ever-present risk of a relapse, which could potentially jeopardize not only his availability for the final but also his participation in the upcoming Euros in Germany.
Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti has openly acknowledged the slim chances of Tchouameni making a complete recovery in time for the final and is currently contemplating alternative options. Throughout the season, Tchouameni has been a pivotal player, showcasing his versatility by contributing both defensively and in midfield as per the team’s evolving needs and tactical requirements.
Ancelotti is now faced with a strategic dilemma in selecting a suitable replacement for Tchouameni. He must weigh the potential of players like Eder Militao, who has shown promise but hasn’t fully realized it yet, against the reliability of Nacho, who proved his worth in the critical match against Bayern Munich despite prior doubts.
In the midfield area, Eduardo Camavinga emerges as a probable replacement for Tchouameni. However, Camavinga’s youthful exuberance introduces both energy and occasional vulnerability, making him somewhat of a wildcard option for Ancelotti. Alternatively, Ancelotti may opt for the Valverde-Kroos midfield partnership, a tactical approach that has yielded success earlier in the season. This move could potentially allow Luka Modric to feature prominently given his recent outstanding performances.
The outcome of the Champions League final for Real Madrid might heavily depend on Tchouameni’s ability to make a full recovery in the remaining 18 days leading up to the showdown against Borussia Dortmund. Given the severity of his injury, it appears wise for Madrid and Ancelotti to prioritize Tchouameni’s complete rehabilitation to minimize the risk of further setbacks, which could potentially affect not only his availability for the final but also his participation in future competitions.