Real Madrid star trains away from group; doubtful for France’s clash against Iraq

France are among the firm favourites at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, for Didier Deschamps’ side are well-rounded and have high quality all over the field with two Real Madrid stars as regular starters.

Their ability was on full display against Senegal in their opening game of the event. While their first-half display was mediocre, Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise stepped up in the second half to hand their side the win.

Controlling the midfield as a double pivot on the night was the duo of Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, and both players did well to hold the fortress and control the game for France.

Real Madrid star to be dropped

In a shocking report coming from Diario AS, Tchouameni will not start in France’s second game of the competition against Iraq later today.

Tchouameni will likely not feature tonight. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The player did not train with the squad yesterday for unknown reasons, and it is thus highly likely that he is out of the game, which comes as a massive shock.

AS Roma’s Manu Kone, who stayed on the bench throughout the first game, is expected to partner Adrien Rabiot in midfield instead against the Asian side.

A puzzling situation

There is no information available on why Tchouameni missed training with the team yesterday, and the situation continues to puzzle Real Madrid fans as matters stand.

France have not released any update on the player suffering an injury in the first game or in training, nor does it appear to be a tactical decision for the manager to drop Tchouameni after a good showing against Senegal just days ago.

Tchouameni appears to have minor discomfort. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Instead, he appears to have some minor physical discomfort that is keeping him from his 100%, as hinted by the manager in the pre-game press conference.

“He stayed in the gym doing work on the bicycle and receiving treatment from a physiotherapist. A priori, there is no cause for concern,” Deschamps said.

It remains to be seen if he features on the bench or is out of the game completely later today.

France and Norway are currently tied on three points in Group I of the World Cup, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops after matchday two. 

Needless to say, it could well come down to the final match between the two giants to decide who progresses, and Deschamps will hope to have Tchouameni fit and raring for the third game in any case.