Relief for Real Madrid as key midfielder exempted from national team call-up for friendlies | OneFootball

Real Madrid have received a pleasant surprise during this international break.

Journalist Arancha Rodriguez has revealed that Federico Valverde will not travel with the Uruguayan national team, despite being fully fit.

The decision was mutually agreed upon with Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa, who prefers to give some of his key players a short period of rest.

While most of Real Madrid’s squad will be away on international duty, a few important names are staying behind at Valdebebas.

Among them are Jude Bellingham, who was not called up by England; Aurélien Tchouameni, suspended for France; and Valverde, excused from Uruguay’s upcoming friendlies.

The decision comes at an ideal time for Los Blancos, who have been playing at full intensity across multiple competitions.

It had already been rumoured that Bielsa would rest several of Uruguay’s big names for their friendlies in Malaysia, and Rodriguez has now confirmed it.

Alongside Valverde, Bielsa is also set to rest Sergio Rochet, Jose María Gimenez, Darwin Nunez, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Guillermo Varela, and Manuel Ugarte.

A well-deserved break

Valverded will remain in Madrid during the international break. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde’s omission from the national team gives him a valuable opportunity to recharge and continue working under Xabi Alonso at Valdebebas.

The Uruguayan has been one of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers this season, playing more than 740 minutes in nine matches across La Liga and the Champions League.

He has only missed one game so far, against Kairat Almaty, and was substituted just once in that stretch.

Given his demanding schedule and tireless work rate, Bielsa’s decision to rest him can only benefit both club and country.

The midfielder will use this time to recover physically and prepare for Madrid’s crucial fixtures after the break.

For Real Madrid, the situation could hardly be better. With Valverde staying fit and focused in Madrid, Alonso can rely on one of his most important players to return from the break fresh and ready to continue driving the team forward.