Real Madrid is on the verge of concluding their pre-season, with their La Liga opener against Espanyol approaching fast.

Jose Mourinho has effectively utilized the pre-season period to reintegrate his squad, with a focus on restoring his full roster. The team has also faced the challenge of assimilating up to six new signings, a task that is often quite demanding.

One notable player still yet to take the field under Mourinho is Aurelien Tchouameni, who is currently recovering from muscular discomfort.

According to Arancha Rodriguez, Tchouameni is likely to regain fitness in time for the La Liga opener.

Tchouameni is not far away from a full recovery

Tchouameni was among the last group of Madrid players to return after an extended run in the World Cup, but his entry into full training sessions was delayed due to his muscular issues.

Tchouameni will be fit for the La Liga opener. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

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Madrid have consequently been careful with his training load, opting not to rush his return during pre-season.

The midfielder faced challenges with his fitness throughout Les Bleus‘ World Cup matches, leading to his absence from key games.

Important boost for Jose

Having Tchouameni available would serve as a vital asset for Mourinho, especially amid uncertainty regarding his preferred midfield lineup.

Madrid did not secure Rodri, who chose to move to Barcelona instead, putting Mourinho in a position to rely on the current squad for midfield dynamics.

Tchouameni stands out as one of the most effective defensive midfielders in the squad, contributing significantly since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022.

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His strength, defensive skill, and capacity to shield the defense could be crucial if Mourinho chooses to maintain a double-pivot formation that he has been testing in pre-season.

Competition remains intense in midfield

Real Madrid have been cautious with Tchouameni’s fitnезs. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Once at full strength, Tchouameni will face stiff competition for his place.

Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva, and Arda Guler are expected to vie for spots in the midfield, while young prospect Thiago Pitarch looks to remain involved with the senior team.

This situation offers Mourinho a variety of midfield combinations to choose from based on his tactical preferences.

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Tchouameni has also shown capability in central defense, although Mourinho will hope to avoid needing to deploy him in that role.

Additionally, there has been some chatter surrounding his future, though Real Madrid has indicated that the 26-year-old will remain unless an extraordinary offer comes along.

With Tchouameni’s return, Real Madrid gains a significant advantage, and it will be interesting to see how much playing time he can secure against Espanyol.

Real Madrid do not have far to go before their pre-season officially comes to a close and their La Liga opener against Espanyol gets underway.

Jose Mourinho has had a very productive pre-season upon his return to the club, with the Portuguese tactician slowly recovering his entire squad.

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Madrid have also had the challenge of integrating as many as six new signings into the squad, which is rarely a piece of cake.

One player who still has not featured under Jose Mourinho is Aurelien Tchouameni, with the Frenchman recovering from some muscular discomfort.

Now, according to Arancha Rodriguez, Tchouameni is expected to recover in time for Real Madrid’s opening La Liga game against Espanyol.

Tchouameni is not far away from a full recovery

Tchouameni was among the final group of Madrid players to return following his extended involvement at the World Cup.

However, the midfielder was unable to immediately join Jose Mourinho’s full training sessions after experiencing muscular discomfort.

Tchouameni will be fit for the La Liga opener. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

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Madrid have consequently been careful with his workload rather than taking unnecessary risks during pre-season.

The 26-year-old carried a problem throughout Les Bleus‘ World Cup campaign and missed out on some of his nation’s important games.

Important boost for Jose

Having Tchouameni available would be particularly important for Mourinho given the uncertainty surrounding his preferred midfield combination.

Madrid missed out on Rodri, who chose Barcelona as his preferred destination, leaving Mourinho to construct his midfield using the options already available to him.

Tchouameni is one of the squad’s most natural defensive midfielders and has been an important presence since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022.

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His physicality, defensive coverage and ability to protect the back line could make him particularly useful if Mourinho persists with the double-pivot system he has been working on during pre-season.

Competition remains intense in midfield

Real Madrid have been careful with Tchouameni’s fitness. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Tchouameni will still have considerable competition once fully fit.

Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler are among Mourinho’s alternatives, while youngster Thiago Pitarch is also expected to remain involved with the senior squad.

That gives the Portuguese coach several possible combinations depending on what he wants from his midfield.

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Tchouameni has also previously played in central defence, although Jose will hope that he does not find himself in a situation where he needs to use the Frenchman there.

There is also some chatter surrounding his future, but Madrid have made it clear that the 26-year-old will stay unless an extraordinary offer comes in.

Having Tchouameni back is a major boost for Los Blancos, and it remains to be seen how many minutes he is available to play against Espanyol.