Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has apologised for watching an NBA game over their Copa del Rey match against Villarreal.
The French midfielder was among Liverpool's summer transfer targets but he opted against a move to the Premier League in favour of playing for the reigning European champions.
This week, he opted against watching Los Blancos book their place in the quarter-finals of the Spanish cup, instead he was in attendance to see the Chicago Bulls' 126-108 win over Detroit Pistons in Paris, France.
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Although they secured progression in the Spanish cup, it was far from smooth sailing for Carlo Ancelotti's side. They had to come from 2-0 down at El Madigral to sink the Yellow Submarine.
Tchouameni missed the win after suffering a calf injury at the beginning of the month.
"I apologise to my club, the coaching staff, my teammates and the madridista fans for my presence at an event at the same time that we had a lot to play for in the Copa," he apologised via social media. "I've been monitoring at all times what was happening in Villarreal, but I haven't done the right thing. I'm sorry."
Already the France international has missed three matches and there is no return date from his issue. He remains a doubt for this weekend's encounter with Athletic Bilbao but also faces a race to be fit for the Champions League first-leg against Liverpool.
Following the win over Villarreal, there are slight concerns for Madrid over attacker Rodrygo, who was substituted midway through the second half with Real two goals down.
"I think he forgot but for me it's nothing," Ancelotti said pouring cold water on a potential spat after he was captured speaking to the Brazilian following a snub when he was replaced.
Ancelotti revealed that didn't want to take a risk on the forward's fitness, saying: "He had a minor discomfort and I preferred not to risk him at this stage of the season that we already have injuries. To take another risk makes no sense."
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