Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a serious ankle injury during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s La Liga derby.
Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that medical examinations had diagnosed the Uruguay international with a grade-three sprain to his left ankle. The injury occurred during the first half of the derby following a challenge from Atletico midfielder Lee Kang-in.
The incident did not result in a foul being awarded against the Atletico player at the time, a decision that subsequently became part of Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho’s criticism of the match officiating.
Mourinho arrived at his post-match press conference carrying printed images of two challenges involving Atletico players that he believed warranted red cards. One of the incidents involved Lee’s challenge on Valverde, while the other involved Cristian Romero’s tackle on Jude Bellingham.
Valverde continued playing after the challenge but was later assessed by Real Madrid’s medical staff. The club initially described the injury as severe trauma to the left ankle and said further tests would be conducted. The subsequent examination confirmed the grade-three sprain.
The injury is expected to keep the 27-year-old midfielder out of Uruguay’s upcoming international friendlies against Japan, South Korea and India, according to Spanish media reports. Reuters reported that he could be sidelined for between two and three weeks.
The timing of the injury coincides with the international break, potentially limiting the number of Real Madrid matches Valverde will miss. However, his absence is still a setback for Mourinho as the club prepares for the next phase of the domestic campaign.
Valverde has become an important figure for Real Madrid and was wearing the captain’s armband during the derby at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The midfielder’s injury came during a match that has generated considerable debate over refereeing decisions. Atletico defeated Real Madrid 2-1 after Alejandro Grimaldo converted a penalty and Jonathan David added a second goal. Antonio Rudiger scored late for the visitors, but Real Madrid were unable to complete a comeback.
Real Madrid were also reduced to 10 men when Dean Huijsen was sent off after bringing down Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area.
Mourinho subsequently questioned several decisions made by referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias and the wider refereeing system in Spain. La Liga president Javier Tebas has since rejected claims of a coordinated refereeing effort against Real Madrid.
For Valverde, attention will now turn to rehabilitation and his return to competitive football. Spanish reports estimate a recovery period of approximately two to three weeks, although his exact return date will depend on his progress during treatment.
The injury leaves Real Madrid without one of their key midfielders at a time when the club is seeking to recover from the derby defeat and close the gap on the teams above them in the La Liga standings.
