Real Madrid midfielder to miss national team fixtures, aims to recover for Club World Cup | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s 2024/25 season is yet to be over, with the club set to participate in the inaugural expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup starting next month.

Prior to that, though, a number of their players will be away with their respective national teams for the post-season international break.

No Federico Valverde for Uruguay

However, according to MARCA, Federico Valverde will not join the Uruguay national team for their two upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers – away against Paraguay and at home to Venezuela.

The midfielder’s ongoing back issues have not fully resolved, and the decision has been made for him to remain in Madrid to recover and aim to be fit for the Club World Cup, which begins in two weeks.

Valverde will not link up with Uruguay. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Valverde ended the season struggling with lumbosciatica. After finishing the match against Real Sociedad with discomfort, he underwent medical tests, post which the club confirmed the issue via a statement.

It was expected that the 26-year-old ace could be back in a week or so but his evolution has not progressed according to plans.

Valverde played in 59 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches this season, missing only three, and this heavy workload has taken a toll on the midfielder.

As such, he will not link up with the Uruguayan national team for their World Cup qualifying fixtures against Paraguay and Venezuela next week.

Valverde’s focus will now be on recovering in time to start training under new manager Xabi Alonso so that he can reach the FIFA Club World Cup at full fitness.