Aurélien Chouaméni will remain part of the Real Madrid squad for the El Clasico match against Barcelona despite facing a fine [1].
The decision is significant as it balances internal club discipline with the tactical necessity of fielding a full-strength roster for one of the most high-profile matches in global football.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed the player's status on Saturday [1]. The move comes after a reported violent altercation between Chouaméni and teammate Federico Valverde [1]. While the club imposed a financial penalty on the French midfielder to address the conflict, Arbeloa decided to include him in the group for the Sunday match [1].
Arbeloa said the decision was based on the need to provide the team with the best possible lineup for the clash against Barcelona [1]. The internal friction between the two midfielders adds a layer of tension to the locker room heading into the derby, a situation the coaching staff must now manage on the pitch.
Real Madrid's midfield stability is critical for the upcoming fixture, and the inclusion of Chouaméni suggests the technical staff views his presence as indispensable regardless of the recent disciplinary issues [1]. The club has not disclosed the specific amount of the fine issued to the player [1].
“Aurélien Chouaméni will remain part of the Real Madrid squad for the El Clasico match”
By prioritizing tactical strength over disciplinary sanctions, Real Madrid is signaling that the urgency of the El Clasico result outweighs the need for a punitive suspension. This approach minimizes the risk of a depleted midfield but leaves the coaching staff to manage the interpersonal dynamics between Chouaméni and Valverde during a high-pressure match.
