Real Madrid confirm Federico Valverde ankle injury, casting doubt over Villarreal game

Real Madrid have confirmed that Federico Valverde has suffered a grade-three sprain to his left ankle, putting his involvement against Villarreal after the international break in serious doubt.

The Uruguay midfielder sustained the injury during the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid in the seventh round of La Liga. Despite the problem, Valverde completed the match, which Real Madrid lost 2-1.

Real Madrid said in a statement: “Following the tests carried out today on our player Federico Valverde by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a grade-three sprain to his left ankle. His progress will be monitored.”

The injury occurred after a challenge from Lee Kang-in. The incident prompted Jose Mourinho to protest and call for a red card, although the Atletico Madrid player was not punished by the referee.

Real Madrid have not given a timescale for Valverde’s recovery. However, Spanish reports have suggested there is optimism within the club that the 28-year-old could be out for no more than three weeks.

Medical opinions reported by Marca have offered a more cautious assessment. A grade-three sprain is considered the most serious form of ankle sprain because it can involve a tear to one of the ligaments. In such cases, recovery can take six weeks or more.

Valverde had been included in Uruguay’s squad for the first official call-up made by new manager Diego Forlan. His injury means he will miss the national team’s matches against Japan on 24 September, South Korea on 28 September and India on 6 October.

For Real Madrid, his chances of returning for their first match after the international break appear limited. They are due to face Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu on 10 October.

The nature of the injury indicates that one of the ankle ligaments may have been torn, which can make walking difficult. Valverde, though, was able to continue playing in the derby after sustaining the problem shortly before the end of the first half.