Fede Valverde injury tests delayed as Real Madrid suffer derby blow

Real Madrid have delayed further medical examinations on Fede Valverde because of significant swelling in his left ankle after the midfielder was injured in the defeat by Atletico de Madrid.

The club’s medical team has decided to wait for the swelling to ease before carrying out additional tests, according to radio station COPE. Those examinations are expected to establish the full extent of the Uruguay international’s injury and provide a clearer indication of how long he could be unavailable.

Valverde was hurt in the final minutes of the first half following a collision with Kang-in Lee. The incident angered Real Madrid’s players, who called for the Atletico de Madrid midfielder to be shown a red card.

The referee, however, decided not to dismiss him.

Real Madrid issued an official statement on Sunday after initially examining Valverde. It said: “After the tests carried out today by the Real Madrid medical department on our player Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with a serious injury to his left ankle, sustained during today’s match. Valverde will undergo further tests in the coming hours.”

The delay in those tests means Real Madrid will have to wait before determining the midfielder’s precise diagnosis and expected recovery period.

Valverde’s injury comes at a difficult point for the club, who suffered a heavy defeat against Atletico de Madrid in the capital derby. The result leaves them six points behind leaders Barcelona in the Spanish league table.

Real Madrid are now awaiting the outcome of the next examinations with concern over Valverde’s availability for a series of important matches. The Uruguay international is regarded as a key member of Jose Mourinho’s team, making his potential absence a significant issue for the side.