Valverde avoids serious injury after playing through pain in Real Madrid’s Clasico victory

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has not suffered a serious injury, according to initial medical tests carried out after he was forced off during the club’s Clasico victory over Barcelona.

Valverde played through pain in his hamstring for more than 40 minutes before being replaced by Denzel Dumfries. The Uruguay international reported discomfort after an incident during the match and eventually left the field.

Real Madrid won at Spotify Camp Nou, but concern over Valverde’s condition was the only setback from their visit to Barcelona. Head coach Jose Mourinho acknowledged after the game that the midfielder had continued despite the problem before being substituted.

Initial examinations at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex have ruled out a significant injury, The Athletic reported. The club will nevertheless monitor Valverde closely over the coming days rather than take unnecessary risks with his fitness.

Real Madrid’s next La Liga fixture is against Racing Santander on 1 November 2026. Barcelona are scheduled to play Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October 2026.

Mourinho’s current plan is to rest Valverde against Racing Santander if he has not recovered fully. A decision on his availability will be based on how he responds during training this week.

Valverde’s role at right-back has become particularly important to Mourinho’s tactical approach. Using him in that position allows the manager to select Arda Guler in the starting line-up while also giving Real Madrid greater technical and mental strength in midfield.

The Uruguay international’s contribution extends beyond his work in possession. His physical ability and constant movement down the right flank have provided the side with balance that had been missing during earlier periods of the season.

If Valverde is unable to recover in time, Mourinho is likely to turn to Dumfries, who replaced him during the Clasico. However, selecting a more traditional right-back would remove an additional midfield option from the team and force the Portuguese manager to reconsider the system that has proved effective in recent matches.

Real Madrid are keen to manage Valverde’s workload carefully as they continue competing for both the La Liga and Champions League titles. He is also regarded as an important figure within the dressing room.

The club’s intention is to regulate his playing time and rest him whenever necessary, reducing the risk that his current discomfort develops into a more serious injury that could keep him out for a longer period.

Valverde’s involvement in the next match will be determined by his progress on the training ground during the week.