Tchouaméni returns to Madrid with adductor recurrence but Celta start not ruled out

Aurélien Tchouaméni returned to Real Madrid from international duty on 11 November carrying a recurrence of the right adductor injury that had troubled him since the 2026 World Cup, yet the club have not ruled him out of their La Liga matchday 13 home fixture against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday 21 November.

The French Football Federation confirmed in an official statement on 10 November that it had sent Tchouaméni back to Madrid after consulting with the club’s medical staff, with the player’s agreement. The problem had surfaced as soon as he reported to Clairefontaine, and he was unable to complete France’s training session on Tuesday. He became the third player to leave the squad during the get-together, following Pierre Kalulu and Marcus Thuram. France will not call up a replacement.

Initial checks in Madrid, reported by Cadena COPE, found only discomfort in the right groin area rather than a confirmed structural injury. Radiological and physical tests were scheduled for Thursday, and the club had issued no official medical report by 11 November. His availability for the Celta game therefore hinges on those results.

The timing is awkward for Madrid. Tchouaméni is a key starter under the current setup and featured from the beginning in the 3-0 win at Valencia before the international break — the eighth consecutive victory across La Liga and the Champions League. Kylian Mbappé scored in that match for the seventh game running. Despite that momentum, Madrid sit second in the La Liga table on 30 points after 12 matchdays, with Barcelona leading on 33 and Atlético de Madrid third on 28.

The Celta fixture is the first of a demanding double-header at the Bernabéu: PSV visit three days later on Tuesday 24 November for a Champions League group-stage match, making Tchouaméni’s fitness all the more significant.

Madrid’s injury concerns from the international break do not end there. Mbappé missed France training on Wednesday due to hamstring discomfort and completed only gym-based recovery work. He will not feature for France against Italy, though the nature and severity of the issue had not been formally assessed by the club as of 11 November.