Madrid’s derby has left Real Madrid facing an unwelcome international-break concern after Federico Valverde was diagnosed with a serious left-ankle injury following the 2-1 defeat to Atlético de Madrid.
The news from the club
Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that the Uruguay midfielder has suffered a grade-three sprain in his left ankle. The club said Valverde underwent medical tests and that his progress will be monitored, but did not set a date for his return.
The injury followed a heavy challenge from Lee Kang-in during Sunday’s capital derby. The incident was among the decisions that angered the Madrid side during the match.
Valverde will consequently miss Uruguay’s upcoming international fixtures. Palmeiras player Emiliano Martínez has been called into the squad as his replacement.
Uruguay’s calendar without Valverde
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 24 September | Japan |
| 28 September | South Korea |
| 6 October | India |
For Real Madrid, the immediate question is how Valverde’s ankle responds in the weeks ahead, with the club offering no recovery timetable after the derby setback.
