Federico Valverde: The huge last-minute announcement before Atlético Madrid

Crucial to Real Madrid’s setup in big matches, Federico Valverde is highly anticipated for the showdown against Atlético Madrid this Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Real Madrid can breathe a sigh of relief. Like several European clubs in recent months, injuries have disrupted and continue to disrupt managers’ plans. In this decisive second half of the season, where the stakes are enormous, Carlo Ancelotti can finally relax. After a start to the season and the end of 2024 marked by severe injury setbacks, the situation for Madrid’s players has improved. Just hours before the Champions League derby against Atlético, positive news regarding Federico Valverde has emerged from Spain.

Federico Valverde fully recovered

Having played the first leg of this clash in a physical condition just slightly above 50%, Federico Valverde has now fully recovered. With the support of the medical staff, who helped him overcome his muscular issue, the Uruguayan midfielder has made a complete recovery. During Monday’s training session, he took part in full training with the rest of the squad. On Tuesday, Diario AS reported that the Madrid No. 8, expected to play on the right side of the defence, is now fully fit and back to 100% after spending 24 days being carefully managed.

This is undoubtedly fantastic news for Carlo Ancelotti. After last week’s hard-fought victory over Atlético, Real Madrid will have to give everything on Wednesday night to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Even though injuries have weakened the Colchoneros, they remain a dangerous opponent, and Madrid must be fully focused from start to finish.

With this positive update on Federico Valverde, Carlo Ancelotti can now count on a defensive setup identical to that of the first leg but with greater solidity. Without Lucas Vázquez, often considered the weak link in big matches, Madrid’s coaching staff can now breathe easier and focus on assembling a midfield capable of linking up the defence and attack, where Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will look to make the difference.