Why Aurelien Tchouameni was left out of Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad

Zinedine Zidane contacted Aurelien Tchouameni before naming his first France squad to assess the Real Madrid midfielder’s fitness, but the player admitted he was not yet fully ready following an adductor injury.

Tchouameni was omitted from the squad and paid the price for his lack of playing time with Real Madrid. He had been absent from competitive football for almost two months, featuring for only 120 minutes and starting just once.

Explaining the decision at the time, France’s new manager said: “Aurelien is a player who has been absent for almost two months. He has played only 120 minutes and has started just once. I think it is better for him to stay in Madrid and continue training so that he can recover.”

According to L’Equipe, Zidane spoke to Tchouameni before announcing his squad, asking about his condition and whether he would be able to play during the current international break.

Tchouameni indicated that he had not fully regained his fitness after the adductor problem, and Zidane chose not to rush him back into international football.

The decision leaves the France manager’s options regarding the Real Madrid player open ahead of the November international break.