Real Madrid keep Tchouameni out of Inter Milan plans despite return to training

Aurelien Tchouameni has returned to group training with Real Madrid after several weeks out, but the club are taking no chances with the France midfielder ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan.

Tchouameni took part in the majority of Sunday’s session, although he did not complete every exercise with his team-mates. His return represents a positive development, but it is not expected to lead to an immediate comeback in the squad.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, there is cautious optimism surrounding the 25-year-old. The midfielder has overcome the pain that had troubled him since the World Cup, and the signs from his latest training session were encouraging.

However, Real Madrid believe Tchouameni’s recovery must be allowed to continue at its own pace. The club’s priority is to avoid any setback, particularly after his prolonged absence.

As a result, Tchouameni is not expected to start against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Indeed, it is considered unlikely that he will be included in the matchday squad at all, despite the encouraging images from training.

His return to work with the group therefore marks an important stage rather than the conclusion of his rehabilitation. Tchouameni appears to have entered the final phase of his recovery, but Real Madrid remain unwilling to regard him as fully fit until he has cleared the remaining steps.

That cautious approach leaves manager Jose Mourinho with a significant selection issue to resolve before Tuesday’s game. Federico Valverde will be fully available, but Real Madrid will also be without three suspended players: Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler.

Tchouameni’s continued absence means Mourinho must assess his options with the Frenchman still being monitored closely. Although Sunday’s training session provided grounds for encouragement, it did not alter the club’s position that his return should not be rushed.

The midfielder’s progress will therefore continue to be judged day by day. For now, Real Madrid’s message is one of controlled optimism: Tchouameni is moving closer to a return, but he has not yet reached the point where he can be considered ready for competitive action.

The cautious handling of his recovery is intended to ensure that the progress made in recent weeks is not undermined by an early comeback. Even with a major Champions League fixture approaching, Real Madrid are prepared to wait rather than risk another setback for the France international.