Mourinho confirms Tchouaméni's gradual return against Elche

José Mourinho confirmed on Monday at a press conference that Aurélien Tchouaméni will come on as a substitute on Tuesday during Real Madrid’s away trip to Elche in La Liga. The French international midfielder is not expected to start, but the Portuguese manager promises him “more playing time, without a doubt”.

Tchouaméni’s thigh injury dates back to the 2026 World Cup match between France and Paraguay. Returning to Real Madrid still recovering, he had missed the first four league matches before making his comeback on Sunday in the victory against Rayo Vallecano (4-1), where he played twenty-one minutes. In the Ligue des Champions, he had also played eleven minutes against Inter Milan. In total, over the last seventy-three days, the midfielder has accumulated only 122 minutes of playing time, including 90 in the World Cup final against Spain.

According to Spanish sports daily AS, the objective set internally by Mourinho and his staff is to give him around thirty minutes against Elche. Real Madrid’s medical staff is monitoring his progress very closely, with instructions to take no risks in order to avoid any setback. Tchouaméni is continuing strength and physiotherapy sessions, and is also training individually at the Valdebebas training centre. Despite this progress, the player reportedly remains concerned about his physical condition, according to AS.

Mourinho was cautious on the question of the next international break. “I don’t know Zidane’s plans. We must respect them,” he said. “I can’t say what would be best for him: staying here to work or going with France to gain playing time.” A build-up that, in any case, looks set to remain slow and controlled.