Real Madrid have suffered an injury setback following their 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s LaLiga derby, with midfielder Federico Valverde diagnosed with severe trauma to his left ankle.
The Uruguay international sustained the injury after a challenge from Atletico midfielder Kang-In Lee shortly before half-time at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Valverde continued playing and completed the match, but subsequent medical examinations confirmed the extent of the ankle problem.
Real Madrid confirmed in an official medical report that Valverde had suffered “severe trauma” to his left ankle and would undergo further tests. The club did not initially provide a specific timeframe for his recovery.
Early reports, however, indicated that the 28-year-old midfielder could be sidelined for between two and three weeks, potentially ruling him out of Uruguay’s upcoming international fixtures.
The injury came during a difficult evening for Real Madrid, who lost the Madrid derby despite taking the game deep into the second half. Atletico took the lead through Alejandro Grimaldo’s penalty after Dean Huijsen was sent off for bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the area.
Jonathan David doubled Atletico’s advantage in the 59th minute before Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid late in the match. The visitors were unable to find an equaliser.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho also expressed frustration over two first-half challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Valverde, arguing that Atletico players should have faced stronger disciplinary action. Atletico manager Diego Simeone subsequently called for restraint in post-match comments.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid six points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona, while Atletico moved into second place, five points behind the leaders and one point ahead of Real Madrid.
Valverde’s condition will therefore be closely monitored as Real Madrid prepare for their next fixtures and Uruguay considers its squad for the upcoming international window.
