Real Madrid star returns from injury but plays through pain

Real Madrid recovered Aurelien Tchouameni from his sprained ankle last week, starting against Athletic Club in midfield at San Mamés and returning to defense against Girona on Saturday. However, it is his foot that continues to bother him.

Los Blancos had counted on Tchouameni and Fede Valverde to help cover the absence of Toni Kroos this season, initiating moves from deep. However, the Frenchman has been far from his best, facing constant criticism and there is even talk of him being sold next summer. Manager Carlo Ancelotti saw much more of him in defense than in midfield last week and benched Raúl Asencio for him.

With doubts over David Alaba’s recovery, and Ancelotti apparently preferring him to Asencio, he looks set for a long career in defence. However, Relevo points out that Tchouameni has not yet returned to his best physical level. Despite playing in the Euro Cup and completing the preseason without problems, they say he still has pain in his left foot, which he injured in May of last season. He has not fully recovered from the problem and it continues to cause him discomfort, something he is simply learning to cope with.