In a significant setback for Real Madrid, French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is expected to be out of action for approximately one month after suffering a left ankle sprain during the club’s 3-1 Champions League loss to AC Milan, according to a source close to the situation.
The rising star, who has quickly become a key figure in Los Blancos’ midfield since his arrival last summer, was substituted at halftime in Tuesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the team already trailing 2-1. The club later confirmed the extent of the injury in a brief statement.
A String of Injury Woes for Real Madrid
Tchouaméni’s absence is the latest in a series of injury blows for the reigning European champions this season. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and right-back Dani Carvajal both missed the defeat to Milan, while versatile defender David Alaba remains sidelined as he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
Key Matches to Miss
The 22-year-old’s injury comes at a critical juncture in Real Madrid’s season, with the team facing a packed schedule domestically and in Europe. Tchouaméni is set to miss several crucial fixtures, including:
- LaLiga clash with Osasuna on Saturday
- France’s UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy
- Champions League tie with Liverpool
- LaLiga matches against Leganés, Getafe, and Athletic Club
Pressure Mounting on Ancelotti and Squad
The loss of Tchouaméni compounds the pressure on head coach Carlo Ancelotti and his squad, who have struggled in recent high-profile matches. The team suffered a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona in El Clásico and followed that up with the disappointing 3-1 loss to Milan.
We are not in a good moment. We have to stay focused and believe. We are hurting after these defeats, but we must react.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Head Coach
In the Champions League, Real Madrid have now lost two of their four group stage matches, having also fallen 1-0 away to Lille. Even in their victories, the team has had to dig deep, coming from behind to beat both Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund.
Chasing Barcelona in LaLiga
Domestically, Los Blancos find themselves in the unfamiliar position of playing catch-up to arch-rivals Barcelona. The Catalan giants currently hold a nine-point lead over Real Madrid, although Ancelotti’s men have a game in hand after their match against Valencia was postponed last weekend.
As the club navigates this challenging period, the absence of Tchouaméni’s energy, composure, and defensive prowess in the middle of the park will be keenly felt. Real Madrid will need their remaining midfield options, including veterans Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, to step up and fill the void left by the Frenchman’s injury layoff.
With a congested fixture list and mounting pressure to turn around their recent form, Real Madrid face a stern test of their depth, resilience, and title credentials in the coming weeks. The loss of Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of their standout performers this season, only adds to the complexity of the challenge that lies ahead for the 14-time European champions.
