Real Madrid Suffer Injury Blow as Fede Valverde Faces Weeks on the Sidelines

Real Madrid have suffered another setback following their Madrid derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, with captain Fede Valverde facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury.

According to Spanish outlet COPE, the swelling around Valverde’s ankle has not yet gone down. Further medical tests could be carried out once the swelling subsides, which should provide a clearer picture of the severity of the injury.

Initial assessments suggest that the Uruguay international could be unavailable for around two to three weeks.

Injury Came During the Madrid Derby

Valverde picked up the injury late in the first half while carrying the ball through midfield. Atletico Madrid midfielder Lee Kang-in challenged the Real Madrid player as he attempted to win possession.

Real players felt the tackle was serious enough to warrant a straight red card, but the referee decided against sending the Atletico player off.

After the match, it emerged that Valverde had suffered an ankle injury during the challenge. Real Madrid are now waiting for the swelling to decrease before conducting further examinations.

International Break Could Help

Although Valverde’s injury is a concern for Real Madrid, the timing could provide the club with some relief.

The upcoming international break will give the midfielder additional recovery time, reducing the likelihood of him missing a large number of important club fixtures.

If his recovery progresses as expected, Valverde could have a chance to return when club football resumes in the second week of October.

Another Concern for Real Madrid’s Midfield

Valverde’s potential absence is particularly significant because Real Madrid are already dealing with concerns in midfield.

The Uruguay international has been an important part of Jose Mourinho’s tactical setup, contributing both defensively and in attack. His ability to cover ground and influence different phases of the game has made him a key player for the team.

His absence for several weeks could therefore force Real Madrid to adjust their midfield plans.

Following the derby defeat and the controversy surrounding several refereeing decisions, Valverde’s injury adds another concern for Real Madrid. The club will now wait for the results of his medical examinations before determining his exact recovery timeline.