Aurélien Tchouameni, a key midfielder for the French national team, missed the initial training sessions under new coach Didier Deschamps due to an injury that kept him out of action for nearly two months. The absence was explained as a necessary step to allow him to recover and prepare properly in Madrid. However, some analysts believe Tchouameni's place in the team is under threat, especially with the strong performances of Lucas da Cunha, who has been playing in a similar defensive midfield role. His position seems even more uncertain after his average performance at the recent World Cup, which he himself has acknowledged. Speaking to France 24, Tchouameni revealed that he had been experiencing pain from the third or fourth match of the tournament, and even earlier than that. He admitted to taking more risks during the World Cup than he normally would, but he does not regret his choices. He explained that players often push themselves to their limits in high-stakes situations, and he paid the price afterward, though he views it as part of his development as a player. He also pointed out that his performance against Spain, where key players like Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo were present, did not reflect his true abilities. Tchouameni noted that this kind of situation is not new to him and will not be the last time he faces such challenges. He explained that during major competitions, players often work closely with medical and technical staff to find ways to stay on the field, which is exactly what he did. Despite the difficulties, he remains optimistic, emphasizing that at the age of 26, players typically begin to have a better understanding of the game. He also expressed confidence in the new coach, who he believes is doing a good job, and stated that any ambitious player wants to be part of the French national team. He believes that if he continues to perform well, he will find his place again.