All eyes on Real Madrid midfielder’s fitness ahead of Elche, Atletico Madrid clash

All eyes on Real Madrid midfielder’s fitness ahead of Elche, Atletico Madrid clash Real Madrid were able to return to winning ways in LaLiga with a 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, though the performance was far from perfect as the team lost focus in the second half. Nevertheless, focus shifts to what’s ahead, with Los Blancos slated to face Elche CF in midweek before taking on Atletico Madrid next weekend, in what promises to be the biggest game of the season so far. All eyes on Tchouameni’s fitness Tchouameni has been struggling with injuries in last few months. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Heading into this game, there is a lot of chatter around Aurelien Tchouameni and whether or not he will be fit enough to start in any of the next two matches. As reported by Defensa Central , the French midfielder could have a special role to play in the coming fixtures, particularly given the physical problems that have affected the team in midfield. However, easing Tchouameni back into the starting eleven is not a straightforward decision. The Frenchman has barely been able to train with the first team due to an injury that has lingered since the World Cup, meaning Mourinho must manage his return carefully. His minutes have been gradually increasing, a clear sign of his progress. Tchouameni played around 10 minutes against Inter Milan before featuring for just over 21 minutes against Rayo, having come on in the 69th minute. A key player for Mourinho Mourinho considers Tchouameni a key element in the team. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) That steady increase in game-time suggests Tchouameni could be in contention to start the derby against Atletico if required, though much will depend on how the player feels and his physical condition. The clash at the Metropolitano promises to be a high-intensity, hotly contested affair over the full 90 minutes, which makes Tchouameni’s availability all the more significant. His physical presence and ability to provide balance in midfield are exactly the qualities Real Madrid may need in such a demanding encounter. What is clear at Real Madrid is that Tchouameni is viewed as a capital player for the team, and Mourinho needs him. The Portuguese has already relayed that message to the midfielder, but crucially, he is unwilling to rush him or put his physique at risk. For now, Real Madrid will monitor his condition closely across the next few days.