Tchouaméni’s Adductor Issue Cast Doubt on Real Madrid’s Celta Fixture
Aurélien Tchouaméni has withdrawn from the France squad due to a recurrence of the right adductor injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup. Initial assessments in Madrid indicated only groin discomfort, meaning Real Madrid have not excluded him from being a key starter when the title race resumes.
Real Madrid are delaying any final verdict on Aurélien Tchouaméni. The midfielder returned from international duty with a familiar issue in his right adductor, yet he remains a potential option for the match against Celta at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The French Football Federation announced in an official statement on 10 November that it had returned the player to Madrid following consultations with Real Madrid’s medical team. France’s medical staff considered his medical history, and the decision was made with the player’s consent. He was scheduled to stay with the squad overnight and fly to Madrid the following day, and France will not call up a replacement.
The issue had persisted since his arrival at Clairefontaine. Tchouaméni was unable to complete France’s training session on Tuesday, becoming the third player to leave the squad during this gathering, following Pierre Kalulu and Marcus Thuram.
Initial checks in Madrid revealed only groin discomfort.
The situation in Madrid appears less definitive than France’s decision might imply. According to Cadena COPE, initial tests identified discomfort in his right groin area, with radiological and physical examinations scheduled to commence on Thursday.
The club had not released an official medical report by 11 November. In the absence of such a report, his availability depends on the results of Thursday’s tests.
Madrid’s winning streak faces a test in midfield.
Tchouaméni is a key starter for Mourinho. He started in the 3-0 victory at Valencia before the break, a result that marked Madrid’s eighth consecutive win across LaLiga and the Champions League. Mbappé scored for the seventh match in a row.
Despite this momentum, the table after matchday 12 shows Madrid in second place on 30 points. Barcelona lead on 33, while Atlético de Madrid sit third on 28. Losing a starter of Tchouaméni’s caliber would be significant at this delicate moment, especially with a busy schedule of fixtures following the Celta game.
The international break has introduced a second concern. Mbappé missed France training on Wednesday due to hamstring discomfort, opting for recovery work in the gym instead. He will not feature against Italy.
Celta visit the Bernabéu on matchday 13, on Saturday 21 November at 21:00. PSV then arrive at the same stadium for a Champions League encounter three days later, on Tuesday 24 November.
Sources
- El Madrid golea en Mestalla (Real Madrid)
- Mbappé no jugará contra Italia y Tchouaméni tiene problemas en el aductor (Cadena COPE)
- CRÓNICA | Derrota del Valencia CF ante el Real Madrid CF (0-3) (Valencia CF)
- Blessé aux adducteurs, le milieu Aurélien Tchouameni est forfait pour les deux prochains matchs de l’équipe d… (Franceinfo)
