Real Madrid has suffered another injury setback with the club confirming that French international midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni suffered a muscle injury in Tuesday night's 1-0 Champions League defeat away to Liverpool.

The club informs Tchouameni "has been diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh," adding that "his recovery will be monitored."

Aurelien Tchouameni (R) of Real Madrid vies with Aimar Oroz of CA Osasuna during the La liga football match between Real Madrid and CA Osasuna in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Although there is no estimated return date, Spanish Sports paper Diario AS estimates the midfielder will be out of action for around three weeks, which means he misses this weekend's visit to play Rayo Vallecano, France's World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan as well as further matches against Elche in La Liga and Olympiakos in the Champions League, after the international break.

Tchouameni has become a key player for Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso this season, playing in a holding role in front of the defense and he played all 90 minutes in Liverpool without any apparent signs of injury.

His injury opens the door for Eduardo Camavinga to play the defensive midfield role, perhaps allowing Fede Valverde to return to midfield after playing several games at right back.