The absence of Aurelien Tchouameni from Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad was not simply a minor detail, especially given that the Real Madrid midfielder had already begun his return to competitive football after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The decision raised questions, but the answer quickly came from the new France manager himself, who explained the thinking behind his selection.
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Zidane did not point to a decline in the player’s form or suggest that Tchouameni had fallen out of his plans. Instead, he highlighted the midfielder’s current stage following his injury, explaining that remaining in Madrid during the international break would be better for him than playing additional matches for France.
Zidane explained that Tchouameni had been sidelined for nearly two months and had played only 180 minutes since returning, which is why, for his recovery process, it was better for him to remain in Madrid and continue preparing.
The decision comes as Tchouameni has already started to regain his rhythm with Real Madrid. He has returned gradually, coming off the bench against Inter Milan, receiving additional minutes against Rayo Vallecano, and then making his first start of the season against Elche.
Tchouameni played until the 86th minute against Elche, marking another step in his physical recovery after the injury that kept him out at the beginning of the season and during Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations.
Therefore, his absence from France’s current squad does not mean that Zidane has closed the door on the Real Madrid midfielder. Instead, the decision is part of managing his return to competitive football and giving him more time to fully regain his fitness.
Zidane, who took charge of France after Didier Deschamps left following the 2026 World Cup, announced a 23-man squad for his first matches with Les Bleus. The squad includes Eduardo Camavinga, Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate from Real Madrid, while Tchouameni was left out.
France are scheduled to play four Nations League matches during the international break, against Turkey, Belgium, Italy and Belgium again. Zidane has therefore opted not to include Tchouameni as he continues his recovery and preparation.
Meanwhile, Zidane confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will remain France captain under his management, marking the beginning of a new era for the national team under the former Real Madrid legend.
For now, Tchouameni’s situation is clear: he has returned to Real Madrid’s plans following his injury, but he needs to continue working and regain his full rhythm before returning to the France squad, which is why Zidane preferred to keep him in Madrid during the current international break.
