At a press conference this Friday, ahead of the trip to Real Betis for La Liga’s 26th matchday, Carlo Ancelotti revealed the full truth about Federico Valverde, who will once again be absent despite not being officially injured.
Real Madrid have completed their preparations for Saturday’s La Liga clash against Real Betis. After a well-controlled victory over Girona last weekend in the league, Carlo Ancelotti and his men will aim to dominate a Betis side featuring former Madrid player Isco Alarcón and Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United since January. This match promises to be fiercely contested, as both teams are battling at the top of the table. However, the Madrid coach will have to do without three key players: Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, and Federico Valverde.
The discomfort troubling Valverde
While Bellingham is serving a two-match suspension, which he will complete this Saturday, Ceballos has been officially sidelined since Wednesday. The midfielder suffered an injury late in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad at Anoeta and will miss nearly two months of action due to a left leg problem. As for Federico Valverde, whose absence in the last two matches raised questions, Carlo Ancelotti has now provided some clarity.
Speaking to the Spanish press on Friday before the team’s departure, the 65-year-old coach confirmed that the Uruguayan midfielder will not feature against Real Betis due to persistent discomfort that has lingered since the start of the week. “Valverde? He is not injured, nor is this a planned rest. He has a minor discomfort that has taken time to settle. He won’t be available tomorrow, but he will be for the next match,” said Ancelotti. This is a significant loss for the Madrid side, who will face a tough challenge against Betis.
After playing 41 matches in a row without rest, Valverde is now physically exhausted. While this scenario had been feared for weeks, the confirmation comes at the worst possible time, as Real Madrid need all their players fit in the second half of the season to compete on all fronts.
No room for error in Seville
Locked in a title race with Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid cannot afford any mistakes. “We approach this match with good momentum, just like Betis. They are a well-organised and hardworking side with both individual and collective quality. It will be a tough match because there is a lot at stake for both teams,” admitted Ancelotti, who also stated that he will field the strongest lineup possible.
With key players like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos missing, Madrid will need their available squad members to step up in this crucial fixture. “I am optimistic because the team is in good form,” assured the Madrid coach despite the absences.
Based on Real Madrid’s recent collective performances, the 65-year-old coach remains confident in his squad. “In our last few matches, we have done things well, rotating the team and bringing in fresh players, and it has worked. I am not worried about the absences, but rather about the strength of the team. Our opponent has quality, fights hard, and competes well. This is a game where anything can happen,” he concluded.
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