Real Madrid suffer fresh blow as Federico Valverde faces up to three weeks out

Real Madrid have been hit by another setback following their Madrid derby defeat by Atletico de Madrid, with midfielder Federico Valverde expected to miss between two and three weeks with a left ankle injury.

Guillermo Rai of The Athletic reported that the Uruguay international sustained the injury during a challenge from South Korea international Lee Kang-in in the derby. The incident prompted considerable debate during and after the match, with Real Madrid questioning why the Atletico de Madrid player was not shown a red card.

Valverde played on until the final whistle despite the injury, with Jose Mourinho deciding not to replace him.

The midfielder is expected to use the upcoming international break to continue his recovery at Valdebebas. However, it has not yet been officially confirmed whether he will be left out of Uruguay’s squad.

The injury comes at a significant point in Valverde’s season. He has become a key part of Mourinho’s plans since the start of the campaign, starting all eight of his appearances and establishing himself as one of Real Madrid’s leading midfielders.

His absence will create another selection problem for Real Madrid, particularly because Mourinho has relied heavily on a midfield partnership between Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.

The latest setback follows a damaging derby defeat for Real Madrid, who are now six points behind Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league.