Mourinho says injured Tchouaméni took risks at World Cup

Real Madrid will delay Aurélien Tchouaméni’s return until the midfielder has completely recovered from his adductor injury. José Mourinho said the France international had taken risks by appearing in the World Cup semi-final while still carrying the problem. The club wants him back at full fitness rather than allowing him to begin the season in pain.

Tchouaméni suffered the injury during France’s 1-0 win over Paraguay in the last 16. He then missed the 2-0 quarter-final victory against Morocco before returning to the starting team for the semi-final against Spain. France lost that match 2-0. Mourinho said Tchouaméni had suffered considerably during the tournament and made clear that the midfielder had not experienced a fresh injury setback.

The issue remained unresolved after Tchouaméni’s holiday, ruling him out of Real Madrid’s league opener against Espanyol, a 2-1 defeat. Mourinho said the player had tried to continue because the team was taking shape and important matches were approaching. The coach, Tchouaméni, the club staff and the medical department have instead agreed to wait for a full recovery. His return could be pushed back by another week or two, and Real Madrid will not force the process.