Real Madrid have been dealt a setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg, as Aurelien Tchouameni will be unavailable due to suspension.
It must be noted that Tchouameni received a yellow card just before the 40th minute in Real Madrid’s recent European outing against Atletico Madrid after a challenge on fellow countryman Antoine Griezmann.
This booking is his third in the competition so far, having already been cautioned in matches against Brest and Atalanta. Given UEFA’s disciplinary rules, accumulating three yellow cards results in an automatic one-match suspension.
Carlo Ancelotti was already aware that several key players were at risk of suspension going into this stage of the competition.
Alongside Tchouameni, Luka Modric, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga, and even summer signing Endrick were all one booking away from missing a crucial fixture.
Additionally, the Real Madrid manager himself was also in a delicate disciplinary position, adding another layer of concern for the club.
On the opposition side, Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa and Jose Maria Gimenez are also walking a fine line, with the latter having already served a suspension earlier in the tournament.
For Real Madrid, losing Tchouameni at this stage is far from ideal. The French midfielder has been a vital presence in the squad, particularly after returning to his preferred defensive midfield role, where he has brought stability and balance.
His absence means Ancelotti will need to rethink his midfield setup, especially with Arsenal as their opponent. The English club has been in exceptional form, having scored nine goals over two legs in their previous round against PSV.
With the Champions League at its most demanding stage, every tactical decision will be crucial.
Ancelotti must now carefully plan his midfield structure to compensate for Tchouameni’s absence, ensuring Real Madrid continue their push for another European triumph.