Aurelién Tchouaméni will not feature for Real Madrid in the first leg of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Liverpool at Anfield. The French midfielder was not included in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad list ahead of the crucial clash, meaning he will be unavailable for the match against the English champions.
The decision comes as Tchouaméni continues to recover from a flu-like illness that sidelined him recently. Real Madrid officials remain hopeful that he will be fully fit in time for upcoming fixtures, with the Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in sight as a likely next test once he has recovered.
On the other hand, two young Real Madrid players have joined the coaching staff in the traveling squad to Liverpool. Mario Martín and Álvaro Rodríguez are included with the aim of gaining minutes in the international arena. Ancelotti has expressed interest in giving them opportunities during the match, with a plan to use each for a portion of the game to boost their experience. The coach reportedly asked Raúl to participate alongside him in a limited involvement, focusing on a 60-minute contribution from the Castilla squad as part of the strategic rotation for the trip.
As the teams prepare to meet, Real Madrid remains confident about the depth within the squad. The club’s medical staff are monitoring Tchouaméni’s progress, and a return to action is anticipated soon should there be a smooth recovery from the flu symptoms. The match at Anfield represents a critical test for Real Madrid, who will be aiming to secure an advantageous position ahead of the second leg, while also keeping an eye on fitness levels for key players heading into the latter stages of the competition. The broader European campaign continues to hinge on the availability of a fully healthy squad, with the club prioritizing a careful approach to avoid any setbacks in the upcoming weeks. (Goal)