Three Weeks Without Tchouaméni: Real Madrid’s Midfield Anchor Suffers Setback After Liverpool Clash

Injury Update and Game Context

Real Madrid confirmed on Thursday that their French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni will be out for about three weeks due to a left leg muscle injury sustained after the midweek visit of Liverpool to Anfield, where the Reds won 1-0. The medical bulletin describes a strain that will keep the 23-year-old sidelined for the near future, a significant blow to coach Xabi Alonso as the team navigates a dense fixture schedule.

Tchouaméni has been among Madrid’s most important pillars in the current era, anchoring the defensive midfield and providing balance in transitions and in build-up. His presence has offered Madrid an extra shield in front of the back line, and his absence will force tactical adjustments from the Spaniard at a time when pace and pressure from opponents remain high.

Impact on Madrid’s Midfield and Forward Planning

The Frenchman started all 15 matches this season before the injury, underscoring the trust placed in him by Alonso. He had been on the field for the full 90 minutes in the Anfield fixture, a match Madrid defended with high intensity until the decisive moment. He had been substituted at halftime against Valencia for tactical reasons after collecting a yellow card, then returned to start vs Liverpool, suggesting the injury emerged in the latter stages of that game and was subsequently confirmed by medical tests.

With Tchouaméni unavailable, Madrid will have to rely on a mix of experienced midfielders and younger options to fill the gap. Fede Valverde, who finished the Anfield encounter with a muscle strain but is cleared to play, could be counted on to shoulder more responsibility in the central areas. The return of Valverde provides some relief, yet the team’s structure—especially in high-pressing games and in big-match scenarios—will feel the impact of losing such a reliable pivot.

Madrid’s midfield balance has been a key feature of Alonso’s approach, and Tchouaméni’s absence could influence decisions in upcoming fixtures, including big-weekend clashes and European ties. The medical update also notes that Valverde will be available for the next league game against Rio Vallecano, offering some continuity in the engine room while the Frenchman recovers.

Career Snapshot and Road Ahead

Tchouaméni’s rise has been steady since his breakout with Bordeaux in 2018, followed by a breakthrough with Monaco and then the move to Real Madrid in 2022 for a reported 80 million euros (rising to 100 million with add-ons). He marked his first goal for Madrid in September 2023 and has since become a fixture in the team’s spine. His absence comes at a pivotal moment when Madrid aim to maintain momentum in domestic and continental campaigns, with April and May typically decisive for major honours.

In the short term, Alonso will need to reshape the midfield to preserve balance and defensive solidity while keeping the attack functioning smoothly. The international break may offer a window for players to adjust physically and tactically, but the club will want Tchouaméni back as soon as possible to restore the rhythm built around his presence.

Note: the article also confirms that the injury will rule out Tchouaméni from France’s upcoming qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan this month, part of the World Cup 2026 campaign that will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.