After his excellent performance against Manchester City in the Champions League play-off second leg on Wednesday, Federico Valverde will miss the clash against Girona in La Liga this Sunday. According to the latest reports, the Madrid number 8 is suffering from persistent pain.
If there is one player who has been on everyone’s mind in Madrid in recent days, it is Federico Valverde. While many are praising the incredible performances of other players like Kylian Mbappé or Rodrygo Goes, the Uruguayan is also attracting attention. Indeed, already a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s system for months, the 26-year-old has once again proven that he remains unique with his versatility. Capable of playing in four different positions on the pitch, the Madrid number 8 has recently shone as a right-back.
Fede’s concerning physical condition
After his latest masterclass performances on the right side of the defence, which have put Lucas Vazquez in a difficult position when big games come around, Federico Valverde is set to take a break. Heavily relied upon by the coaching staff, the captain of the Uruguayan national team will not be available this Sunday against Girona in the 25th round of La Liga. While his contribution would have been crucial once again, Ancelotti has decided not to worsen his physical condition, which has deteriorated in recent weeks.
According to Marca, Valverde, who does not show any signs of exhaustion when playing, is actually on the verge of breaking down. Having played the most minutes in Europe this season, Fede Valverde is extremely fatigued and is reportedly on the brink of an injury. Already struggling with a knock in recent days, the versatile 26-year-old played through the pain against Manchester City last Wednesday. To avoid further risks, the Madrid coach has decided to leave him out of the squad for the Girona match this weekend to allow him to rest.
A necessary squad rotation
It must be said that Ancelotti has undoubtedly made the right call. Recently, Antonio Rüdiger suffered the consequences of overplaying. After a relentless run of matches, the German rock picked up an injury just before the first leg of the Champions League play-offs against the Sky Blues. To avoid losing key players ahead of the big matches, squad rotation is essential. With the heavy fixture schedule, Carlo Ancelotti has no choice but to manage his squad meticulously to give players like Arda Güler, who lacks game time, the opportunity to shine.
In any case, Valverde’s situation will need to be closely monitored. With the Champions League round of 16 against Atlético Madrid approaching—a match in which he is expected to play as a right-back to ensure the team’s defensive balance—the Montevideo native must regain full fitness to deliver a flawless performance.
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