Aurélien Tchouaméni to Miss Champions League Final Due to Foot Injury
Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has been officially ruled out of the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 at Wembley Stadium. The 24-year-old French international sustained a stress fracture in his foot during the semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, significantly impacting his ability to participate in the crucial upcoming fixtures.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the disheartening news on Friday, mere days before Real Madrid's final LaLiga game of the season against Real Betis. "He is doing individual work but he is not ready for the (Champions League) final. We will see if he is ready for the Euro. I believe he will be fit for and that he can be ready," Ancelotti said, expressing a blend of optimism and uncertainty.
Repercussions for the French National Team
The timing of Tchouaméni's injury casts a shadow over his availability for Euro 2024, set to kick off on June 17, with France's first match against Austria. French national team coach Didier Deschamps has included Tchouaméni in the preliminary 25-man squad, but remains cautious about his recovery progress. Deschamps emphasized the importance of the June 7 deadline for submitting the final squad list to UEFA.
Deschamps' concerns are echoed by Real Madrid's medical team, who have been closely monitoring Tchouaméni's recovery. Despite consultations with multiple specialists, including a recent visit to New York, there has been no significant improvement in his condition. Nevertheless, both Ancelotti and Deschamps believe that there's a strong possibility that the midfielder could recover in time for Euro 2024.
This injury has led Deschamps to recall N'Golo Kanté, aiming to bolster the midfield options available to the team. The coaching staff stays vigilant, tracking Tchouaméni’s recovery while considering the possibility of a late squad adjustment if necessary. In the event of continued complications, a medical validation from UEFA would be required for any last-minute changes to the squad.
- Tchouaméni has been an essential player for Real Madrid this season, making 38 appearances in all competitions. His absence is a significant blow to both his club and his national team, especially during such a pivotal time in the football calendar. The Real Madrid coaching staff, players, and fans had high hopes for his contribution in the final stages of the Champions League.
- The stress fracture, which occurred during a momentous semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, has been a point of considerable concern. Tchouaméni's efforts to speed up his recovery included multiple specialist consultations, underscoring the seriousness of his injury. The uncertainty surrounding his fitness adds an element of unpredictability as France looks to secure another major international trophy this summer.
