Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly been ruled out of the Champions League final.
Los Blancos have already enjoyed a successful 2023-24 campaign, having clinched the league title and the Spanish Super Cup.
They still have the chance to claim more silverware when they face German club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1.
The record winners will travel to Wembley with hopes of claiming their 15th Champions League trophy and their second since Carlo Ancelotti returned to the club in 2021.
Tchouameni expected to miss Champions League final
If they are to win another European title, Real Madrid may have to do it without the services of one of their key midfielders.
According to Marca, Tchouameni is losing the race to recover from a foot injury in time for next month's Champions League showdown.
The France international has been out of action since picking up the injury in the 2-1 semi-final second-leg victory over Bayern Munich earlier this month.
Tchouameni was initially confident of proving his fitness before the final, but he is now set to miss the crucial clash with Dortmund.
With the final set to come too soon, the 24-year-old is now focusing on being ready to represent France at Euro 2024.
How will Tchouameni's absence affect Real Madrid?
Tchouameni has been a key figure in Real Madrid's run to the final, having started in five of the six knockout matches.
With the Frenchman unlikely to feature, his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga could be given the responsibility of shielding the backline.
The 21-year-old operated as the defensive midfielder when Tchouameni was forced to miss the quarter-final second leg against Manchester City due to suspension.
Camavinga is likely to feature in the engine room alongside Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, while Jude Bellingham will operate in an advanced position.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao are pushing for starting spots after recently returning from long injury layoffs.
Real Madrid will conclude their La Liga campaign against Real Betis on Saturday, before they turn their full focus to the Champions League final. body check tags ::
