Carlo Ancelotti admits to “doubts” over key man’s fitness for Champions League final


Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti reveals that Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

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Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.

Los Blancos revealed on Thursday that the France international had suffered a foot injury during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.

A report claimed that Tchouameni only had a ‘20% chance’ of being fit for the clash with Dortmund at Wembley.

Ancelotti was asked for an update during his press conference to preview Saturday’s La Liga game against Granada, and the Italian admitted that the ex-Monaco youngster could miss the Champions League final.

“We have doubts that he can make it to the final, we will see his progress,” Ancelotti told reporters.

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni in action with Manchester City's Phil Foden on April 9, 2024© Reuters

Tchouameni could miss out on Champions League final

Tchouameni has been a vital player for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 campaign, making 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist in the process.

However, the 24-year-old has already spent time out this season with a foot injury, missing eight matches in the first half of the campaign due to the issue.

Tchouameni and long-term absentee David Alaba are the only two players currently unavailable for Real Madrid, who will be back in La Liga action against relegation-threatened Granada on Saturday.

Los Blancos won the title last weekend and therefore Ancelotti will be managing his squad in the build-up to the Champions League final, with Thibaut Courtois set to start against Granada.

Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois on May 4, 2024© Reuters

Courtois is being tipped to start against Dortmund

There have been suggestions that Courtois, who made his first appearance of the season against Cadiz last weekend, could start the Champions League final.

The Belgium international has been absent this term due to two knee injuries which both required operations, and he was an unused substitute against Bayern last time out, with Andriy Lunin featuring between the sticks.

“Courtois is going to play (against Granada), he needs minutes. I have to keep Kepa [Arrizabalaga] in mind as well, he deserves to play a game. Lunin also has to be ready to be able to play. I have to evaluate it,” said Ancelotti.

“We have to do a lot of things. We are playing tomorrow and we have to respect our opponents and the competition. These matches will help us prepare for the final. I will make rotations, but everyone will play. It’s been a very demanding season. I will give rest days after the games.”

Ancelotti also confirmed that Eder Militao, who suffered an ACL injury last August, will start against Granada, with the Brazilian gradually building back to full fitness.

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