Real Madrid Captain Valverde Faces Weeks Out With Serious Ankle Injury

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a Grade 3 sprain to his left ankle during the club’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby.

The Uruguay international sustained the injury following a challenge from Atletico midfielder Lee Kang-in during the La Liga encounter.

Real Madrid confirmed the extent of the injury on Tuesday after the midfielder underwent medical examinations.

“After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle,” the club said in a brief statement.

Spanish media reports indicate that Valverde could be unavailable for several weeks as he begins his recovery.

His injury is also expected to keep him out of Uruguay’s upcoming international friendlies against Japan, South Korea and India.

The setback comes at a difficult time for Real Madrid, who suffered a 2-1 defeat against their city rivals in a match that also generated controversy over several challenges made by Atletico players.

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho criticised some of the tackles after the match and arrived at his post-match press conference with printed screenshots of two incidents that he believed should have resulted in red cards.

One of the challenges highlighted by Mourinho was Lee Kang-in’s tackle on Valverde, which Real Madrid reportedly felt deserved a sending-off.

Valverde has become an important part of Real Madrid’s midfield and has also taken on greater responsibility as club captain.

His absence could therefore leave the team without a key player as the season continues.

Real Madrid will now monitor the midfielder’s recovery while preparing for their upcoming fixtures without one of their leading midfield options.

The exact length of his absence will depend on his rehabilitation and medical progress.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep