Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says Aurelien Tchouameni is ready to return from an ankle injury.
Tchouameni, 24, has missed Madrid’s last five matches since sustaining the sprain during Madrid’s Champions League defeat by AC Milan before the international break.
“He is very well, he has trained and recovered well,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday ahead of Madrid’s trip to Athletic Club on Wednesday. “He is ready to play from the first minute. We’ll see tomorrow where I’ll put him.”
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“What we have to think is that it is good that he is back. This is important to add a bit to the squad and nothing more.
“Aurelien has shown his usefulness at defensive level, as a centre-back or pivot. He is a very important player for us because he also gives us height at set pieces, an important aspect of the game in which we have suffered.”
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Tchouameni’s return is a boost for a Madrid squad that is still impacted by injuries, despite the return of Rodrygo during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Getafe.
The France international midfielder has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season.
Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are out until next year with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while David Alaba is still working his way back from the one he sustained in 2023.
Vinicius Junior will also be out for a few weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.
Madrid travel to the Bilbao one point behind leaders Barcelona having played a game fewer than their Clasico rivals.
(Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
