Real Madrid confirm Fede Valverde left ankle trauma after derby defeat
Real Madrid have confirmed that Fede Valverde suffered severe trauma to his left ankle in Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, with further examinations still required to establish the full extent of the problem.
Valverde injury update
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Fede Valverde | Real Madrid midfielder |
| Injury | Severe left-ankle trauma | Sustained against Atletico Madrid |
| International fixtures | September 24 and September 28 | Uruguay face Japan and South Korea |
| Next Real Madrid league match | October 10 | Villarreal visit the Bernabeu |
The Uruguay international was caught by Kang-in Lee’s studs during the heated match, yet referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias did not award even a yellow card despite being nearby when the challenge took place.
Madrid said tests by the club’s medical department identified the ankle damage after the game. Valverde completed the match, although he was visibly restricted during the closing stages.
His availability for Uruguay is now in serious doubt. Diego Forlan’s squad are due to play Japan on September 24 before meeting South Korea four days later.
Valverde has started all eight of Madrid’s matches in every competition this term and has scored once in the Champions League. His absence would be a significant issue for Jose Mourinho after a damaging derby loss.
Officiating row intensifies
Mourinho was already furious with the decisions made during the contest, particularly after Atletico defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero avoided a dismissal for a studs-up collision with Jude Bellingham’s left knee in a 50-50 challenge.
Ortiz Arias initially booked Bellingham. Following a VAR review prompted by Daniel Jesus Trujillo Suarez, the referee withdrew that caution and instead showed Romero a yellow card.
Mourinho criticised both officials after the final whistle, questioning the appointment of the 41-year-old referee for a derby and describing him as inexperienced at that level. He also pointed to what he called Trujillo Suarez’s previous history involving Real Madrid in Copa del Rey matches against Girona and Osasuna.
The defeat has dropped Madrid to fourth in La Liga on 15 points, six behind leaders Barcelona. After the international break, Mourinho’s side host Villarreal on October 10 before travelling to Italy for a Champions League tie against Roma.
