Real Madrid confirm Fede Valverde has suffered left-ankle injury after derby defeat

Real Madrid have confirmed that Uruguay midfielder Fede Valverde sustained a significant bruise to his left ankle during the 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the seventh round of La Liga.

The 28-year-old underwent an assessment by Real Madrid’s medical staff today, after completing the entire derby at the stadium.

A statement from the club said: “Following the tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical team on our player Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with a significant contusion to his left ankle, sustained during today’s match.

“Valverde will undergo further tests in the coming hours.”

The results of those examinations will determine the extent of the injury and whether Valverde is able to join Uruguay during the next international break.

He is scheduled to play in three friendly matches for his country during that period, provided the ankle problem does not prevent him from reporting for international duty.

Valverde has established himself as a key member of the Real Madrid midfield, but the club have not given a timetable for his return or indicated how long he may be unavailable.

The derby was also marked by controversy surrounding the refereeing, an issue Jose Mourinho raised after the final whistle.