Real Madrid is facing a significant setback as Fede Valverde, one of the club’s most indispensable players this season, finds himself sidelined due to an injury that appears to be more serious than initially anticipated. The Uruguayan midfielder, who had previously featured in every match this season, has now missed two consecutive games, raising concerns about the severity of his condition.
Valverde’s absence from the squad against Girona and Real Sociedad was a shock to many, given his reputation for resilience and endurance. The midfielder had played 41 consecutive matches before this abrupt pause, making him one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most relied-upon players. However, this forced rest has not come without reason, and the club is beginning to worry about the long-term implications.
According to reports from Marca, Valverde had been pushing through games with injections to numb the pain, particularly against Manchester City and Osasuna. The decision to continue playing despite discomfort was driven by the team’s needs, especially in the absence of Lucas Vázquez, which left a gap on the right side of the field. Unfortunately, this relentless effort has taken a toll on his body, leading to his current unavailability.
The concern deepens as further assessments suggest that Valverde’s situation is more problematic than initially thought. Relevo states that the Uruguayan international has been dealing with persistent discomfort in his biceps femoris muscle for several weeks, an issue that has now worsened to the point where immediate rest is mandatory.
Statistically, Valverde has been one of the most active outfield players in Europe this season. Besoccer data reveals that he has accumulated a staggering 3,359 minutes for Real Madrid, in addition to 450 minutes for the Uruguayan national team. These numbers place him among the most overworked players in the top five European leagues, with only AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan registering more minutes (3,381).
Given the extent of his workload, the medical team at Real Madrid is now taking a cautious approach. There were initial hopes that Valverde would be fit for the upcoming match against Real Betis, but Relevo has reported that his return remains highly uncertain. The club is keen to avoid any risks that could lead to a long-term injury, especially with crucial matches on the horizon.
Valverde’s injury not only impacts Real Madrid’s midfield dynamics but also disrupts Ancelotti’s tactical plans. His ability to transition between attack and defense with remarkable energy has been a vital asset for the team, and without him, the squad may struggle to maintain the same level of intensity.
Moreover, his absence could influence Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture planning, forcing Ancelotti to shuffle his lineup. Players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni may be required to take on additional responsibilities, while Luka Modrić andToni Kroos might see increased playing time despite their age.
For Valverde himself, this setback is frustrating, as he has been one of the most consistent performers for both club and country. The Uruguayan has played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success this season, contributing not just with his tireless running but also with key moments in attack and defense.
As the club awaits further medical evaluations, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Valverde’s condition. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Real Madrid will need to manage his rehabilitation carefully to ensure he returns at full strength without risking further complications.
For now, the Madridistas can only hope that Valverde’s rest period will be brief and that he can soon resume his role as one of the team’s driving forces. Until then, Real Madrid must find a way to adapt and compensate for the loss of one of their most influential players.