Real Madrid midfield mainstay absent from training ahead of Valencia clash

Following their 3-2 comeback win over AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Real Madrid have returned to training today.

Preparations got underway ahead of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia, with Los Blancos hoping to extend their recent winning streak and sign off on a high before the international break.

No Aurelien Tchouameni in training

However, according to MARCA, Real Madrid midfield mainstay Aurelien Tchouameni did not take part in today’s training session with the rest of the squad.

The French international was not part of the squad that flew to Greece yesterday to face AEK Athens, with manager Jose Mourinho opting to rest the midfielder, along with Arda Guler.

Tchouameni did not train with the group. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Following the team’s return, Guler rejoined the rest of his teammates in normal training today ahead of facing Valencia on Saturday.

However, Tchouameni did not work with the rest of the group. Instead, the defensive midfielder trained by himself, giving way to doubts about his availability to face Valencia away at Mestalla this weekend.

Options for Mourinho

So far this season, Tchouameni has played nine matches in all competitions for Real Madrid, registering one assist.

Real Madrid will train again tomorrow and a final decision on the 26-year-old midfielder’s presence for the trip will only made after that.

A lot will depend on the French international’s feelings as well as manager Mourinho’s assessment of the player’s condition.

Tchouameni was rested for the game vs AEK Athens. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

If the Portuguese tactician decides not to take any risks with the former AS Monaco star, he can always count on Eduardo Camavinga to replace the midfielder.

The Frenchman started against Athens on Wednesday and could get another opportunity at Mestalla.

Club captain Federico Valvede, who did not start in the European encounter but came on to score the match-winning goal, is also an option for the manager in midfield.

It remains to be seen whether Tchouameni trains with the squad tomorrow and makes it to the squad to face Valencia on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the injured duo of Raul Asencio and Rodrygo Goes continued to work on their respective recovery programmes. Their return is still some way away.