Real Madrid confirm Fede Valverde injury following Madrid derby
The club has issued a medical report on Fede Valverde's ankle injury, while Jose Mourinho lashes out at officiating standards.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: Anish Morarji from St Albans, England
Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Fede Valverde sustained a severe ankle injury during Sunday's derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan midfielder was injured following a tackle by Kang-in Lee during the 2-1 loss at the Metropolitano.
Despite the referee, Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, having a clear view of the challenge, no disciplinary action was taken against the Atletico player. The club's medical staff confirmed the trauma in an initial statement, noting that further examinations are required to determine the full extent of the damage.
The injury has intensified the frustration of Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who was highly critical of the officiating performance. Mourinho specifically pointed to the lack of consequences for dangerous play, including an incident involving Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham.
The referee had no experience to officiate a derby. He's 41 years old. He's a poor referee who's only ever done minor matches. Congratulations to the refereeing committee for this appointment. Jose Mourinho
Valverde's participation in the upcoming international break is now in significant doubt. As a key starter who has featured in every match for Mourinho this season, his absence poses a challenge for the manager. Real Madrid currently sit fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona, and are set to face Villarreal and Roma after the break.