Carlo Ancelotti speaks on Aurelien Tchouameni position and Raul Asencio

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has refused to play Aurelien Tchouameni in any position when he returns from injury. Los Blancos return to action against Athletic Club in San Mames on Wednesday evening, with the Italian slowly getting players back from injury following the return of Rodrygo Goes on Sunday.

Ancelotti confirmed to the press that Tchouameni was ready to join Bilbao after returning to full training this week. He was out all of November due to an ankle problem.

“Tchouameni is doing well, he has trained well, he has recovered well, he is ready to play from minute one. We'll see tomorrow where I play against him.”

In his absence and following an injury to Eder Militao, Castile graduate Raul Asencio has stepped in with excellent results. Los Blancos have only conceded twice against Liverpool and have kept three clean sheets in La Liga.

“He has shown in these four games that he is a central defender you can rely on, who has no shortage of knowledge of the position. He is well positioned, confident and of course motivated. He brought a lot to these competitions. It is clear that he will be on the bench at some point, but now I will have to carefully consider whether I will do that.”

“He especially surprised me by the calmness with which he handled matters. He never worries. I don't think Athletic is a test, I think he has already passed that. Based on merit he can be considered part of our team.”

Ancelotti was asked whether Tchouameni was needed more in defense or in midfield.

“We have to think that it is good that Tchouameni is back, we are getting players back little by little, which is very important. Aurelien has shown that he can be of great use to us, both as a central defender and as a defensive pivot, and in that sense he is very important for us. He also gives us height at set pieces, an area where we have suffered without Militao, Tchouameni and Camavinga. We have lost height and set pieces are an important aspect of the game.”

The absence of Eduardo Camavinga could see Tchouameni return to his favored midfield position. In recent matches, Fede Valverde has been at the base of midfield, with Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos often partnering him. The latter has impressed and will be in a tough fight for a place against Athletic on Wednesday evening.