Major Blow for Real Madrid: Captain Out for Several Weeks

Pulse Sports Team 13:35 - 22 September 2026

Real Madrid will be without captain Federico Valverde for several weeks, according to Spanish media reports. The Uruguayan midfielder suffered a left ankle injury in Sunday's Madrid derby against Atletico (1-2).

The 28-year-old Uruguayan sustained the injury after a tackle from Lee Kang-in at the end of the first half, yet he played the entire match. This was one of the incidents highlighted by coach Jose Mourinho after the game, who believed the referee should have sent off the Korean player.

“Tests conducted today by Real Madrid’s medical staff have revealed a grade three sprain in Fede Valverde’s left ankle,” AFP quoted from Real Madrid’s Tuesday statement.

Due to the injury, Valverde is expected to miss Uruguay’s upcoming friendly matches against Japan, South Korea, and India.