Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has been diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Madrid Derby. The injury adds another concern for Real Madrid after a difficult night at the Metropolitano, but the latest reports suggest Valverde could return sooner than some of the early fears indicated.
Real Madrid initially confirmed on September 20 that Valverde had suffered severe trauma to his left ankle and would undergo further examinations. The club has now confirmed the more specific diagnosis.
Fede Valverde Injury Happened During Unpunished Challenge
The Fede Valverde ankle injury came during the first half when Atlético Madrid’s Kang-in Lee made a strong challenge on the Uruguay international.
The tackle was not punished with a red card, and the decision became one of the talking points after the game. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho criticised the officiating and reportedly showed images of the incident while discussing the challenge.
What makes the incident particularly striking is that Valverde managed to continue playing and completed the match despite the damage to his ankle. Further medical tests later revealed the severity of the injury.
The episode has therefore become more than another entry on Real Madrid’s injury list. It has also renewed discussion about how serious challenges are handled during high-pressure matches.
How Long Will Valverde Be Out?
A grade 3 ankle sprain represents a severe ligament injury, but the exact recovery period can vary depending on the damage and how the player responds to rehabilitation.
Current reports indicate that Valverde is expected to miss around two to three weeks, rather than the two to three months suggested by some early speculation. That would rule him out of Uruguay’s upcoming international fixtures but could give Real Madrid hope of having him available relatively soon after the international break.
Real Madrid will continue monitoring his recovery before making a firm return date.
Why Valverde’s Absence Matters for Real Madrid
The Real Madrid midfield injury comes at an inconvenient point in the season because Valverde has become one of the team’s most versatile players. His ability to cover ground, support attacks and operate in different midfield roles gives the team flexibility during matches.
His absence could therefore force Mourinho to manage the midfield differently over the next few fixtures. It may also increase the workload on other midfield options while the club waits for Valverde to recover.
The timing is also significant for Uruguay, with the injury expected to keep the midfielder away from the upcoming international matches.
For now, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than a long-term absence. Real Madrid will be hoping the latest Fede Valverde injury update represents the full extent of the problem and that the midfielder can return without aggravating the ankle.
