Real Madrid leave Guler and Tchouameni out of Champions League squad

Real Madrid have left Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni out of their squad for the Champions League meeting with AEK Athens on 04 November 2026, with Jose Mourinho opting to manage their workload and give both players a period of rest.

The Spanish side face AEK Athens at the Allianz Arena in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. Real Madrid will be seeking to maintain their positive form in the competition when they meet the Greek club.

Tchouameni’s omission was expected after Mourinho said in Santander that the France midfielder would not travel to Athens. The manager indicated that the decision was intended to allow him to recover, and Arda Guler has also been rested for the European fixture.

The absence of the two players is balanced by the return of Federico Valverde to contention for a starting place. The Uruguay international missed the Clasico at El Sardinero while completing his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during a match.

Valverde is now considered ready to play again and is expected to start against AEK Athens. His return provides Mourinho with an important boost in midfield, particularly with Guler and Tchouameni unavailable for the game.

The selections were reported by Spanish newspaper AS.