Aurelien Tchouameni injury fears eased by initial Real Madrid tests

Aurelien Tchouameni has suffered only a minor thigh injury, according to initial medical tests in Madrid, easing concerns that the Real Madrid midfielder could face a lengthy absence.

Tchouameni was withdrawn from the France squad after the French Football Federation confirmed he would miss the forthcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.

The midfielder felt pain in the groin area during his arrival at France’s Clairefontaine training centre and was unable to complete Tuesday’s training session. He subsequently returned to Real Madrid for further assessment.

The French Football Federation said its medical staff had decided, in coordination with the player and after consulting Real Madrid doctors, that he should leave the national team camp.

Tchouameni arrived in Madrid on Wednesday afternoon and underwent preliminary examinations. Those tests have indicated that the problem is minor, according to radio station Cadena COPE.

“There is nothing serious, and he could definitely play against Celta Vigo when the league resumes after the current international break,” the report said.

The injury is understood to be related to the same physical issue Tchouameni experienced during the most recent World Cup. That problem forced him to miss France’s September camp before he returned to the squad for the current international window.

France are due to face Italy in Milan on Thursday evening before hosting Turkey on Sunday in the Nations League.

France close to quarter-final qualification

France’s meeting with Italy carries significance beyond the contest between the leading sides in Group A. A positive result could confirm France’s place in the quarter-finals and leave them with an opportunity to secure top spot before the final round of matches.

Zinedine Zidane’s side lead the group with 10 points from four games. Italy have seven points, Belgium have six and Turkey are bottom without a point.

The previous meeting between France and Italy ended in a 1-1 draw. Lucas Da Cunha made an error that led to Italy’s equaliser in that match.

France know a draw at San Siro would be enough to guarantee a finish in the top two and secure qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals, according to French network RMC.

That result would also spare them from having to rely on the outcome of the final round. Italy and Belgium are competing directly for the other qualification place and will meet in Brussels on Sunday.

France therefore need only one point in Milan to ensure their progress, while retaining the chance to finish the group in first place before facing Turkey. Their next La Liga fixture is against Celta Vigo on 21 November 2026.