Valverde Sidelined 15 Days, Misses International Break
Valverde Sidelined 15 Days, Misses International Break
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Key Points
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In the Rayo Vallecano account, Valverde was withdrawn at halftime after recording one tackle and two shots in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory; José Mourinho said the decision was precautionary because the team led 3-0, adding that Valverde would have remained on the field if the score had been level.
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The semimembranosus is a deeper hamstring muscle involved in knee flexion and hip extension, rather than the more commonly injured biceps femoris.
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Uruguay had already omitted Valverde from its international-window squad, despite his status as a national-team captain.
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Before the reported muscle injury, Valverde had produced nine tackles, five clearances and six shots across his previous five matches, while also scoring in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
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The muscle-injury report adds that Valverde has a history of thigh problems, suggesting the latest issue is part of a recurring muscular vulnerability rather than an isolated setback.
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde faces a 15-day absence after suffering a left-ankle injury during the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid. According to Yahoo Sports, the Uruguayan international sustained a serious sprain in the 2-1 defeat and will miss his country's international friendlies in November, including matches against Japan and South Korea.
The injury removes a key midfielder from Real Madrid's rotation just as the team enters a congested fixture schedule. Valverde, a national-team captain, had been a regular starter and scored in Madrid's recent Champions League win over Inter Milan before the setback.
Ankle Injury Sustained in Madrid Derby Clash
The injury occurred during Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid in the derby match. According to multiple sources, Valverde was caught by a heavy challenge from opposing defender Kang-in Lee. Yahoo Sports reported the injury is a grade-three ankle sprain — a serious diagnosis that typically requires two to three weeks of recovery.
International Break and Uruguay Squad Impact
Valverde will miss Uruguay's November friendlies against Japan and South Korea. Notably, Uruguay had already excluded him from the squad despite his role as a national-team captain, though the reasons for that decision remain unclear. His absence removes depth from Real Madrid's midfield options during the international window.
Valverde's Form Before the Injury
Before the derby match, Valverde had logged impressive numbers across five games: nine tackles, five clearances, and six shots. He also scored in Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Inter Milan, underscoring his importance to the team's balance in midfield and attack. The injury strikes during a period of strong individual form.
Real Madrid's Midfield Depth Tested
Losing Valverde forces Real Madrid to lean on alternatives in the midfield engine. His forced absence arrives during a busy stretch of domestic and European fixtures, putting pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti to manage workload across the squad. Recovery from a grade-three ankle sprain typically takes two to three weeks, leaving his return date uncertain.
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