Aurelien Tchouameni To Miss Champions League Final, Uncertain For Euros

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni will miss the Champions League final due to a foot injury and could be a doubt for the Euros. The 24-year-old, who has made 38 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish champions this season, has not played since he suffered a stress fracture during Madrid's Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Madrid play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1. Ahead of Los Blancos' final LaLiga match of the season against Real Betis on Saturday, Ancelotti confirmed the former Monaco star's injury is relatively serious. "He's doing individual work but he's not ready for the (Champions League) final," Ancelotti told reporters. "Let's see if he's ready for the Euros."

France coach Didier Deschamps named Tchouameni in his 25-man squad for Euro 2024, which starts on June 14. The midfielder's absence could be a significant blow to both Real Madrid and the French national team, given his contributions this season.

Meanwhile, for Madrid, Saturday's match is an opportunity for fans to bid farewell to Toni Kroos, who is retiring after Euro 2024. The 34-year-old is one of Madrid's most successful players, winning the Champions League four times during his 10-year stint with the club. Having also won the title once with Bayern Munich, the Germany international could become only the second player after Madrid great Paco Gento to win six European crowns.

Reacting to @ToniKroos' post #GraciasKroos pic.twitter.com/S7tbckDKbG

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 22, 2024

Ancelotti's Comments on Kroos

"I don't think it was a difficult decision for him. Veteran players, legends, have to choose their destiny. Toni has made that decision and it must be respected," Ancelotti said. "We have to say goodbye to him as best we can. I respect his decision. Saying goodbye like this would be ideal. Then you have to have the courage to do it and I have a lot of respect for what he has done."

Replacing someone like Kroos is almost impossible, but Ancelotti believes that the squad has resources in young players who can take responsibility and follow the path set over the last decade.