Tchouameni Set to Return to Starting XI, Giving Mourinho More Midfield Options

According to reports, Tchouameni made his 2026-27 season debut in the match against Inter Milan. Before that, Mourinho had been unable to use the French international, who was injured after the World Cup and has only now returned to Real Madrid. Having been unavailable during pre-season and the opening stage of the league campaign, the midfielder came on as a substitute in the final stages against Inter Milan, attempting to stabilize the situation and prevent a match that could have overshadowed Real Madrid's successful European campaign opener from slipping away.

Tchouameni entered the Bernabeu and replaced Arnold. With Guler, Bernardo and Camavinga suspended, Mourinho had placed the English player in the starting midfield role. The experiment was not successful, and Mourinho later brought on a more natural defensive midfielder from the squad.

This usage will gradually be repeated in the next few matches. Tchouameni is not yet ready to start, but he is already able to contribute, especially in difficult situations like the match against Inter Milan. Inter Milan once pressed forward heavily and tried to equalize, but Real Madrid ultimately held on for the victory.

In Mourinho and the coaching staff's view, Tchouameni's gradual return is the best news for the team's balance. Previously, the team had lacked a specialist defensive player in the double-pivot midfield position. Bernardo, Valverde and Camavinga all have different qualities, and all are more attack-oriented than the former Monaco player. Once he fully returns to his best competitive condition, the team hopes he can bring greater stability to the lineup.

At this stage, it is only a matter of time before Tchouameni enters Mourinho's starting lineup. With him available, the coach now has four midfielders with very different characteristics when building the double-pivot system that has become a trademark of the team. Tchouameni is the strongest defensively and physically; Bernardo offers the best creativity; Valverde is known for his running and intensity; while Camavinga is the most aggressive pressing option.

From this point on, Tchouameni will gradually become part of Mourinho's starting lineup. Mourinho also now has Pitarch as another option, with the player capable of covering a large area. Guler will temporarily continue operating in a more advanced position, meaning Mourinho now has five options to handle this season. At present, the team still has some questions regarding creativity, and only after all injured players fully recover will the situation become clearer.