France's Tchouaméni returns for Spain semifinal

France's midfield received a significant boost with the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni to full training on Saturday, just in time for the team's 2026 World Cup semifinal clash against Spain. The Real Madrid midfielder had been absent for France's last two matches.

Forward Kylian Mbappé also participated in the session, apparently recovered from a blow to the ankle sustained during the quarterfinal against Morocco. Reports indicate the injury was not serious. However, starting central defenders Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba underwent individualized training as a precautionary measure for minor discomforts, though they are expected to be fit for the match.

With Tchouaméni back, coach Didier Deschamps has his entire 26-player squad available. The decision now rests on whether the midfielder will slot directly back into the starting lineup or begin on the bench, potentially keeping Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot in midfield. The team's formation is expected to mirror the one that defeated Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Competition also remains at left-back between Lucas Digne and Theo Hernández, and on the left wing between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.