Aurélien Tchouaméni excluded from the France squad

Aurélien Tchouaméni has been left out of France’s latest squad as he continues his recovery from an adductor injury. The decision comes after Lucas Da Cunha’s impressive first appearance for the national side against Belgium, bringing fresh attention to the midfield position usually held by the Real Madrid player.

Tchouaméni had been sidelined for almost two months before returning. He had played 120 minutes since his comeback, including only one start. Didier Deschamps therefore decided that he should remain in Madrid and continue his preparation after discussing the situation with the midfielder before the squad was announced.

Da Cunha started against Belgium as the holding midfielder and produced a performance that earned strong praise from France supporters. Some fans on X went as far as calling for Tchouaméni’s international career to end, while comparing the Como player’s forward passing favourably with the established midfielder’s contribution.

Zinedine Zidane said Da Cunha’s display had not surprised him. He praised the midfielder for joining an unfamiliar group and playing with the freedom he shows at Como. His debut has given Deschamps another option in midfield, while Tchouaméni’s absence is tied to his fitness and recovery process.