Tchouameni makes progress but Lunin a doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League opener

Aurelien Tchouameni has taken another step towards returning for Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Inter Milan on Tuesday, although goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is now a doubt after missing training with influenza.

Tchouameni trained with the first team for the second consecutive day on Monday and appeared to be moving normally. The midfielder completed the session without bandages and showed no obvious signs of discomfort, suggesting that the pain which had been troubling him has subsided.

However, Real Madrid are expected to manage his return cautiously to reduce the risk of a setback. As a result, Tchouameni is considered highly unlikely to start against Inter Milan in the opening match of both sides’ Champions League campaigns.

His participation in the matchday squad remains possible, though. That represents a significant improvement from Sunday, when his chances of being included were described as almost non-existent.

Tchouameni’s next objective is to rebuild his fitness. He took measured steps during Monday’s session and did not appear concerned at any stage, with his involvement described as natural and encouraging.

There were no major surprises in the latest training session. Thiago and Endrick again took part with the group and provided further positive indications about their condition. Both players have a good chance of being included in the squad for the match against Inter Milan, although neither is expected to feature in the starting line-up.

Real Madrid will definitely be without four players for the fixture.

Marco Asensio remains several weeks away from a return, according to the timeframe Mourinho himself gave at a news conference. Eder Militao is expected to be sidelined for about a month, while Ferland Mendy was recently left out of Real Madrid’s Champions League squad and is not expected to return before at least Christmas.

Rodrygo is also expected to be unavailable, with his return projected for around January.

The fitness situation involving Lunin is less clear. The goalkeeper did not train on Monday morning because of influenza, meaning his place in the squad will remain uncertain until the final decision is made.

Real Madrid will therefore have to assess Tchouameni and Lunin separately before confirming their plans for the Champions League opener. Tchouameni’s progress has improved the outlook around his availability, but the club’s priority is to avoid rushing him back into competitive action.

Inter Milan’s visit comes at the start of a demanding European campaign, and Real Madrid’s latest session has provided both encouraging news and fresh concern. While Tchouameni is moving closer to a possible return and Thiago and Endrick have offered further squad options, Lunin’s illness has created a late selection question.

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