Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has been ruled out of El Clasico following a reported brawl with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni in the dressing room, which resulted in Valverde requiring hospital treatment.
Official: Real Madrid midfield ace ruled out of El Clasico after reported brawl in dressing room
Chaos has ensued in the Real Madrid dressing room lately. If the growing doubts over Kylian Mbappe’s standing in the team was not enough, the recent headlines have been dominated by reports of infighting between two midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Things escalated to a whole new level on Thursday as the pair were involved in a physical bust-up at the training facilities, with the altercation reportedly starting verbally on the training pitch before spilling into the dressing room.
During the altercation, Valverde went down and hit a table, leading to him needing hospital treatment.
Reports suggested he was in a semi-conscious state after the incident and had to be taken to the hospital in a wheelchair.
Real Madrid have now issued an official statement confirming the extent of Valverde’s injury.
Federico Valverde was ruled out of El Clasico due to a physical altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni that escalated in the dressing room.
The brawl began with a verbal exchange on the training pitch and escalated into a physical confrontation in the dressing room, resulting in Valverde hitting a table and needing hospital treatment.
Valverde's absence could significantly impact Real Madrid's midfield strength and overall strategy in the crucial El Clasico match.
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The brawl took place between Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma.
“Valverde is at home in good condition and will need to rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by medical protocols for this diagnosis,” the club confirmed.
The 10 to 14-day rest period effectively rules him out of Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou, irrespective of any disciplinary sanction the club may impose.
It remains to be seen what happens with Tchouameni and whether or not the club confirm any disciplinary proceedings against the Frenchman. But everything suggests he, too, may miss the game against Barcelona.
For a club already ravaged by injuries and dressing room discord, losing two of their key midfielders ahead of the biggest match of the season is the last thing Real Madrid needed.