Real Madrid taking no risks with key midfielder’s return after injury; could play 30 mins vs Elche

Real Madrid taking no risks with key midfielder’s return after injury; could play 30 mins vs Elche Aurelien Tchouameni’s return from an injury layoff is progressing slowly but steadily. According to AS , Real Madrid are taking no chances with the French midfielder as he works his way back to full fitness following a complicated injury. Tchouameni played 11 minutes against Inter Milan last week and another 21 minutes against Rayo Vallecano three days ago. As things stand, he is not expected to start against Elche later tonight, but he will feature as part of a carefully planned progression. Mourinho wants Tchouameni back at full strength The intention is for him to play around 30 minutes or a littlemore against Elche, allowing him to build up his workload while keeping a bigger target in sight: a possible start against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano later this weekend. A final decision has not yet been made. His physical condition and how he feels during the coming days will ultimately determine whether he is ready to start in the derby. Tchouameni returned to action against Inter Milan. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “Tchouameni will definitely get more minutes. He’s getting better and better, stronger and more confident. He will play, but I wouldn’t say how many minutes,” Jose Mourinho said in his press conference. The most likely scenario is for Tchouameni to enter shortly after half-time, around the hour mark, regardless of the match situation. His ability to provide defensive structure makes him useful in almost any scenario. Real Madrid’s coaching staff are particularly keen to see the organisation and control he can bring to midfield. Protecting the area in front of the defence has been one of the team’s weaknesses during the opening matches of the season. A carefully controlled return Tchouameni first reported discomfort in his thigh 73 days ago, during the build-up to France’s World Cup last-16 match against Paraguay. He had already been experiencing some discomfort in the weeks beforehand and later took a risk by playing against Spain in the semi-finals. Ultimately, he left the tournament injured. His holiday was subsequently dominated by physiotherapy sessions, while the injury also ruled him out of the beginning of both the La Liga and Champions League campaigns. Real Madrid being very careful with Tchouameni. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) For now, Tchouameni is following an individual programme designed above all to prevent another setback. The process has involved extensive gym work and physiotherapy, as well as individual sessions on the training pitch at the club’s training ground. Although he has gone several weeks without pain, the medical and coaching staff remain extremely cautious. His minutes are being monitored closely and increased gradually. Real Madrid consider him a key figure in the squad. Mourinho intends to rotate extensively in the double pivot, but Tchouameni is expected to feature in the biggest matches. The expectation is that he will pass the half-hour mark against Elche. If his recovery continues without complications, he could then have a serious chance of starting at the Metropolitano.