Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde sidelined with ankle injury

Real Madrid captain Fede Valverde suffered a severe grade three ankle sprain during the Madrid derby against Atletico on September 20, 2026. The injury occurred following a challenge by Atletico player Lee Kang-in, which resulted only in a yellow card. The match ended in a 2-0 defeat for Real Madrid.

The club has not specified an exact return date, though initial projections suggest he will be sidelined for at least two to three weeks. Due to this injury, Valverde has been withdrawn from the Uruguay national team squad called up by coach Diego Forlan. His availability for the upcoming Champions League match against AEK in Nea Filadelfeia on November 4 remains uncertain, as he is currently in a race against time to recover.

Real Madrid, currently under the management of Jose Mourinho, expressed frustration regarding the refereeing during the derby. The team is scheduled to return to domestic action on October 10 against Villarreal following the current international break.