Real Madrid’s troubles are mounting ahead of their Champions League clash with Liverpool. Following a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan on Tuesday, reports suggest that Aurelien Tchouameni could be sidelined for around a month due to an ankle sprain.
Liverpool, who will host the European champions at Anfield on November 27, are comfortably advancing in the Champions League with four wins in four games.
In contrast, Madrid has work to do, having won two and lost two, placing them 17th in the new league format after Tuesday’s games, with further matches on Wednesday possibly dropping them even lower.
Tchouameni sustained his injury in the loss to Milan, and according to Spanish reports, he may face an extended period out.
The French international, once linked with Liverpool, has become known as one of Europe’s top midfielders since joining Madrid.
Despite their star-studded lineup—which now includes Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior—things are not going smoothly at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid’s recent 4-0 loss to Barcelona at home angered fans, and the Milan defeat has added pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti, a five-time Champions League winner, has faced criticism, including from Federico Valverde’s wife, Mina Bonino. After Valverde was subbed off at halftime against Milan, Bonino expressed her frustration on social media, saying, “If I say what I really think, I’ll end up in jail.”
Responding to a fan who suggested the substitution was tactical, she replied, “Fede plays best as a midfielder. When will they understand he isn’t a winger?”
Adding to the tension, Madrid recently boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony, reportedly in support of Vinicius Jr., who lost out on the award to Manchester City’s Rodri despite being a long-time favorite for the prize.
