Real Madrid midfielder set to return to the starting lineup for France vs Spain

Real Madrid midfielder set to return to the starting lineup for France vs Spain Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni have both been instrumental in France’s FIFA World Cup campaign so far, but have both had their share of injury struggles. The former has been less affected by setbacks but was still forced off the field towards the end of the team’s quarterfinal win over Morocco. Didier Deschamps has cleared the player and assured that he is back to 100% ahead of the semifinal against Spain. Tchouameni, meanwhile, has had a far more injury-riddled campaign so far. He missed the team’s group stage clash against Iraq through injury, returned against Norway and Sweden and once again missed the knockout game against Paraguay due to a setback. A starter against Spain While Tchouameni was back fit for the quarterfinal game against Morocco, Didier Deschamps did not hand the player a spot in the starting lineup given that he had missed the previous game. Back and ready to start. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) In fact, he did not appear off the bench at all, thereby going a second straight game without a minute. As relayed by RMC Sport , however, Tchouameni will be back for the game against Spain later tonight, and not just as a player off the bench. The French midfielder is indeed expected to return to the starting lineup for the all-important clash against Spain, handing Deschamps’ side a massive boost. After all, there is no denying that he is one of the world’s best in his position. All signs thus point to him returning to the base of midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot for what will be a gruelling fixture, especially in midfield. A battle for the ages A major battle awaits. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) France enter the game against Spain as the clearly-proclaimed favourites, especially going by the form they have shown in the tournament so far. What Spain do have, however, is game-handling maturity and guaranteed game-changers who will make it a far tighter clash than most expect. Of all the departments, the battle in midfield will be particularly fascinating to follow, especially given the ridiculous technicality Spain possess in the department. Going up against the likes of Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, Tchouameni and Co. will have a very difficult task come Tuesday night. The outcome of the midfield battle could well decide the overall result of the semifinal.