Absent from the squad for two matches due to an injury and a concerning physical condition, Federico Valverde is expected to return against Real Betis this Saturday in the league. However, against all expectations, an alarming update regarding the versatile 26-year-old player came through on Thursday.
A major clash awaits Real Madrid this Saturday in the league. In a close race for the top spot in the Liga standings with FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will travel to Benito Villamarín to try to defeat the hosts, who are currently seventh. For this important match, the coaching staff will be without Jude Bellingham, who will serve his two-match suspension received in the league. In addition to this notable absence, Dani Ceballos, who was injured in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, will also miss the crucial fixture. While Kylian Mbappé rejoined the squad on Thursday, Federico Valverde is not ready.
The unexpected news on Valverde
Absent from training since Monday due to a dental procedure, Kylian Mbappé rejoined the group on Thursday. Initially ruled out for the trip to Anoeta on Wednesday for the first leg of the semi-finals due to his condition, the French forward has recovered and has been cleared by the medical team to play on Saturday night. For Carlo Ancelotti, this return is a major boost. While the news is positive for Mbappé, it is not the case for Federico Valverde, who is still not well.
Physically weakened since his last Champions League match against Manchester City, the versatile Uruguayan is at risk of missing another game against Real Betis. Having been rested for the last two matches of Real Madrid (against Girona and Real Sociedad), the Montevideo-born player has not recovered. According to our colleague Jorge Picon from Relevo on Thursday, Valverde’s body is not responding well after playing 41 consecutive matches. Although he has been rested to recover from a hamstring issue that has troubled him since last week, the captain of the Uruguayan national team is not healing quickly.
Caution surrounding Valverde
According to sources close to the dressing room, there is a great deal of doubt as to whether he will be fit for Saturday’s match against Real Betis. Especially with a big clash against Atlético Madrid coming up on March 4 in the Champions League, Real Madrid is considering keeping Valverde rested to ensure he returns much fresher next week. Already missing Jude Bellingham and Ceballos, Carlo Ancelotti may have to make the tough decision not to use Valverde against Betis in order to avoid any risk of further injury.
For now, the medical staff is closely monitoring the Uruguayan midfielder and hopes that his condition will improve in the coming hours. It must be said that Federico Valverde is a key player in the Madrid setup. With Saturday’s match being crucial, the coaching staff could take a significant risk by bringing him on, especially if things don’t go well.
Before facing Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid will need to manage Saturday’s 26th league match perfectly in order to avoid dropping points in the standings. To win La Liga, they must secure victories in matches like this weekend’s.
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