Only a little over a week remains before Real Madrid kick off their new season under the new management of Jose Mourinho.
The Merengues have been hard at work over the past month as the Portuguese tactician looks to get the team up and running for the challenges that lie ahead.
One more pre-season friendly against Schalke awaits this weekend before Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign against RCD Espanyol.
And, Mourinho has recovered the entire squad, barring those injured, after the rest of the World Cup stars returned earlier this week, although one player, Aurelien Tchouameni, is not training with the group.
Tchouameni expected to be ready for start of the season
In a positive update, though, journalist Arancha Rodriguez reports that Tchouameni will be ready in time for Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol.
Tchouameni is dealing with a physical issue. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
The French midfielder is understood to be dealing with a physical discomfort, but as per the report, he is recovering well from the issue.
As such, even though he might miss the upcoming friendly against Schalke this weekend, Tchouameni will be available at Mourinho’s disposal next week when Los Blancos take on the Catalan outfit.
Intense competition in midfield
Tchouameni endured a hit-and-miss World Cup campaign with France where he missed a few matches due to an injury was not always at his best.
Having now returned to Real Madrid, the former AS Monaco star finds himself staring at an intense battle for places in midfield.
Pushing for a spot in midfield (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
With Mourinho opting to use his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation, Tchouameni, who is a target for Manchester United, finds himself competing with five other players for a spot in the middle of the park.
Indeed, captain Federico Valverde, new signing Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, and youngster Thiago Pitarch are all vying for the two pivot positions in the centre of the park along with Tchouameni.
In fact, as things stand, it appears that Bernardo has convinced Mourinho and could be a starter, alongside Valverde, who happens to be the club captain.
So, Tchouameni, once he recovers fully, will have a huge challenge ahead to force his way back into the starting XI at Real Madrid.