Real Madrid confirmed that Federico Valverde is out of the classic against Barcelona this Sunday, via Campeonato Espanhol. The absence of the Uruguayan midfielder comes after an episode of physical aggression involving teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni during training at Valdebebas’s CT. Exames doctors found that the player suffered a traumatic brain injury, which requires immediate rest. The athlete has already been discharged and continues to recover at home, but the severity of his clinical condition prevents him from participating in the direct duel for the leadership of LaLiga.
The situation worsens the internal crisis at the Meringue club at a crucial moment in the European season. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa needs to deal with an extensive list of casualties that now totals seven names confirmed for the confrontation at Catalunha. Além of the disciplinary problem, the medical department works against time to define the situation of Kylian Mbappé, the team’s main offensive reference. The white board opened an internal administrative process to determine who was responsible for the fight, while the atmosphere behind the scenes was described as tense by the Madri press.
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Traumatismo cranial sidelines Uruguayan for up to two weeks
The medical diagnosis released this Thursday established a layoff period of 10 to 14 days for Federico Valverde. The injury was a direct result of the disagreement with Tchouaméni, which reportedly occurred after a harsh argument during tactical activities. Embora the Uruguayan is well, the health protocol for head impacts is strict in professional competitions. Ele will miss not only the classic, but also Real Madrid’s subsequent commitments at the national tournament.
- Federico Valverde: traumatic brain injury (10-14 days out)
- Éder Militão: muscle injury (in recovery)
- Antonio Rüdiger: physical problem (outside the classic)
- David Alaba: transition process (vetoed)
- Ferland Mendy: medical treatment (no forecast)
- Eduardo Camavinga: medical suspension (absent)
- Dani Carvajal: ligament injury (off-season)
Processo discipline against Tchouaméni raises doubts in the lineup
Diferente from Valverde, the French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is physically fit to take the field on Sunday. However, its presence on the related list depends on a political and ethical decision by coach Álvaro Arbeloa. The club has instituted disciplinary proceedings that could result in heavy fines and temporary removal from the main squad. Arbeloa assesses whether selecting the player amid the negative repercussions of the attack would further harm the unity of the Madrid dressing room.
The Real Madrid board opted for official silence regarding the details of the fight, but internal sanctions are already underway. The French player participated in training, but the discomfort among the other athletes is visible. Caso Tchouaméni is banned for disciplinary reasons, Real Madrid will arrive at the classic with a completely improvised midfield, given the absence of immediate replacement parts in the defensive sector.
Mbappé tries last minute comeback to face Barcelona
Kylian Mbappé underwent magnetic resonance imaging exams that showed a positive evolution in the muscle injury suffered against Betis. The French striker returned to training with the ball, but the coaching staff has been extremely cautious about its use since the beginning. The recent history of setbacks means the club avoids optimistic projections before Saturday’s final test. It is likely that the number 9 will travel with the delegation to Barcelona, but his ownership is still treated as an unknown in the corridors of Santiago Bernabéu.
The decision will be made through a conversation between the player and the medical staff minutes before the official squad is announced. Mbappé wants to act because he understands the importance of the match for Real Madrid’s title aspirations this season. With 11 points behind the leader Barcelona, a defeat at Camp Nou practically ends Madrid’s chances of winning with just a few rounds remaining until the end of the championship.
Critical Cenário on the table hinders Arbeloa’s mission
Real Madrid occupies second place in the table with 77 points from 34 matches played so far. Barcelona leads the competition alone and can increase the gap to 14 points if they win the classic at home. The pressure on Arbeloa’s work grew exponentially after the episodes of indiscipline leaked this week. The coach will have to set up an unprecedented defensive system to contain the Catalan attack, as key names such as Militão and Rüdiger remain out of action.
Estatísticas from Real Madrid in the current season:
- Pontos conquered: 77
- Vitórias: 23
- Gols tagged: 68
- Gols conceded: 29
- Current Aproveitamento: 75%
- Distância for the leader: 11 points