Real Madrid confirm major Federico Valverde injury blow after Lee Kang-in tackle | OneFootball

Real Madrid are still dealing with the fallout from Sunday’s Madrid derby defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid, and they have just been dealt their biggest blow yet, with the club now fully aware of the severity of Federico Valverde’s ankle injury.

In the hours after the match at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano, Real Madrid confirmed that Valverde had injured his ankle during a strong challenge from Atleti’s Lee Kang-in – a challenge that should have warranted a red card. They had to wait to receive the full picture due to the Uruguayan having strong swelling on the affected area, but they have now been able to do tests.

In an official medical report, Real Madrid have confirmed that Valverde has suffered a serious ankle injury, noting that “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”.

Valverde ruled out until November

Real Madrid did not include a timeline for Valverde’s return in their medical report, but Sport have reported that he is due to miss eight weeks of action. Thus, he would be unavailable for at least eight matches, the biggest being the first El Clasico meeting of the season at the Spotify Camp Nou, which takes place next month.

Valverde hasn’t been in great form in recent weeks, but there is little doubt that his absence is a big blow for Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho must now look towards Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga or Thiago Pitarch to complete his midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, but anyone that does come in will have big shoes to fill.

For now, all Valverde can do is focus on his recovery, but it will certainly be painful for him not to be able to represent Real Madrid for at least the next two months.