Real Madrid in crisis - inside the conflict and chaos at the Bernabeu

In a lengthy statement released on Thursday evening, the Uruguay midfielder said he suffered "a small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital" and rejected suggestions either player had struck the other.

An emergency meeting was later called involving club president Florentino Perez, members of the coaching staff, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and captain Dani Carvajal.

Real Madrid subsequently released two statements.

The first confirmed disciplinary proceedings had been opened against both players, adding that the club would provide updates "once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed".

The second was a medical update confirming Valverde had suffered a concussion and would need to rest for between 10 and 14 days, ruling him out of Sunday's El Clasico.

"Clearly, someone here is spreading rumours, and with a season without titles, where Real Madrid is always under scrutiny, everything gets blown out of proportion," Valverde said.

• Valverde cut head when he 'accidentally hit table' in Tchouameni row
• Injury row, yacht trip & petition - what's going on with Mbappe?

Dressing room divides

Defender Alvaro Carreras also responded this week to reports linking him with a separate disagreement involving team-mate Antonio Rudiger.

Carreras did not name the player directly, but wrote on Instagram: "In recent days, certain insinuations and comments about me have emerged that do not correspond to reality.

"Regarding the incident with a colleague, it is a specific matter of no relevance that has already been settled. My relationship with the whole team is very good."

'Mbappe out' petition

Reports of tension between specific players have followed wider claims of unrest within the dressing room.

There has been focus on Kylian Mbappe. Although the France forward has scored 85 goals in 100 appearances since arriving at the Bernabeu, he was at the centre of controversy when he travelled to Sardinia during a recovery period for a hamstring injury suffered against Real Betis.

While the trip was approved by the club, photographs of the forward on a yacht circulated online while Real were playing Espanyol, prompting criticism from supporters already frustrated by the team's struggles.

An online petition titled 'Mbappe out' quickly gained traction on social media, and now has more than 46 million signatures.

Alvaro Arbeloa said a decision on the forward's availability for Sunday's match would be made later this week.

Managerial uncertainty

These issues and the team's reltively poor results have meant focus has turned to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and his apparent inability to maintain control of the dressing room during this turbulent period.

The former Real defender succeeded Xabi Alonso, who lasted six months in the role, in January.

His lack of senior managerial experience was a talking point from the moment he was appointed, with questions raised over the ability of someone who had only previously worked within the youth set-up to manage established stars such as Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

This week's events have only validated those concerns for many supporters.

With only four matches remaining this season for Real, Arbeloa's immediate priority will be to restore stability, refocus the squad and prevent further deterioration in performances and discipline.

While silverware is no longer a realistic target, there remains a need to finish the campaign with some sense of control.

Beyond the short term, however, the focus is already shifting towards the broader structure above him.

There is now pressure on club president Florentino Perez, who faces a major decision after a run of managerial changes that have failed to deliver sustained success.

Three managers. Two seasons. No trophies.

The choice of the next permanent head coach will be pivotal, not only for results on the pitch, but for restoring stability and control over a squad that has come under increasing scrutiny.

That in turn will repair the image of a club that is enduring uncomfortable public criticism.

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