Federico Valverde
RMA
Center Midfielder
Box-to-Box
Jul 22, 1998 (28)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
Training on gym Tuesday
Valverde (ankle) was training in the gym Tuesday and didn't join the rest of the group, according to Santiago Siguero of MARCA.
Analysis: Valverde didn't train with the rest of the group Tuesday and didn't even leave the gym, so his chances of playing this Saturday against Villarreal are looking slimmer by the day. With five matches in a 15-day stretch right after the international break, Jose Mourinho needs all his players available, but risking Valverde's early return could lead to a bigger injury. A final call on his availability for the weekend should be made closer to Saturday's match, but the early signs aren't promising.
Diagnosed with grade 3 ankle sprain
Valverde has been diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle, with his progress still pending evaluation, according to the club.
Analysis: Valverde suffered the injury in Sunday's derby against Atletico Madrid, and reports indicate he is expected to return after the international break, though poor healing could extend his absence to several months if complications arise. Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga figure to see more minutes in midfield during his time out, with his recovery to be closely monitored in the coming weeks.
Set for tests Tuesday
Valverde (ankle) will undergo tests Tuesday to determine the extent of the ankle injury he sustained in the derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, according to Arancha Rodriguez of COPE Deportes.
Analysis: It remains to be seen whether Valverde will play for Uruguay during the upcoming international break, but after sustaining an injury, he could focus on recovering and being healthy for the resumption of the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign. If Valverde is forced to miss time, a mix of Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga could see more minutes.
Picks up ankle injury
Valverde suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, according to his club.
Analysis: Valverde came out of Sunday's Derby with an injury despite not leaving the field early, with the midfielder diagnosed with a severe trauma to his ankle. This could mean the potential loss of a major part of the team for Real Madrid, although he will have the international break and around two weeks off to recover. If Valverde does miss anytime, a mix of Bernardo Silva, Eduardo Camavinga and Sergio Martinez will likely start in his place.
Makes squad for Elche clash
Valverde (undisclosed) makes the squad for Tuesday's clash against Elche, confirming the issue he suffered in Saturday's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano was only minor, the club posted.
Analysis: Valverde had been substituted at halftime of the recent win over Rayo Vallecano as a precaution, with coach Jose Mourinho explaining at the time it was tied to a minor issue rather than anything serious given the comfortable scoreline. His inclusion in the squad list for Tuesday's clash against Elche now confirms he has recovered, positioning him to continue building on a productive recent stretch that included a goal against Inter Milan and strong defensive numbers.
Precautionary halftime substitution
Valverde (undisclosed) contributed one tackle (one won), and two shots (none on target) before being substituted at halftime of Saturday's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano as a precaution, according to coach Jose Mourinho, per Diario AS. "The other day, when Valverde came off at halftime, he did so as a precaution because he was dealing with a minor issue, had the score been 0-0, he would have stayed on, we push the limits of risk, but with a 3-0 lead, we are going to protect the player."
Analysis: Valverde had scored in the recent Champions League win over Inter Milan, part of a productive stretch that included nine tackles, five clearances and six shots over his last five matches. This precautionary withdrawal does not appear to be a serious concern given the context, and his status will continue to be monitored as Real Madrid manages his workload. His next chance to feature will come against Elche on Tuesday and if he had to miss the game, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva will likely pair in the midfield against the Franjiverdes.
Strikes in Inter contest
Valverde scored one goal to go with two shots (one on target), one interception and one clearance and won two of three tackles in Tuesday's 2-1 win versus Inter Milan.
Analysis: Valverde bagged an almost inadvertent goal, as he stripped the opposing goalie who was trying to get past him, and the ball trickled into the net. He focused on defending for the rest of the game. He has notched one interception in five consecutive fixtures, recording also nine tackles (eight won9, five clearances and six shots (two on target), scoring and assisting once over that span.
Earns assist
Valverde assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 4-1 victory versus Real Sociedad.
Analysis: Valverde added an assist during the 4-1 dominating win over Real Sociedad on Wednesday. He also won two tackles with two key passes and a shot on target, a decent outputting to open up the new campaign.
Back in training
Valverde arrived at Valdebebas this morning and will undergo routine medical tests before joining the squad for today's training session, the club announced.
Analysis: Valverde's arrival marks another key player back in the fold as Real Madrid continue their preseason buildup. The midfielder remains one of the club's most important and versatile players, capable of contributing in multiple roles across the pitch while providing energy, defensive work and attacking support. After another busy campaign, Valverde is expected to once again play a central role in Real Madrid's plans this season.
Makes two tackles in loss
Valverde recorded one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 defeat to Spain.
Analysis: Valverde had a quiet and disappointing outing in Uruguay's defeat that led to an early elimination, making two tackles as his best statline before subbing off in the 57th minute. That was the first time in three games he did not play the full 90. The Real Madrid midfielder finished the World Cup with no goals or assists, plus 10 shots and 11 crosses.
Game high seven shots in draw
Valverde took seven shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Cape Verde.
Analysis: Valverde was Uruguay's driving force in midfield and one of the standout performers in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Cape Verde. The captain dictated the tempo and covered plenty of ground on both sides of the ball, firing off a game-high seven shots in the process. If Uruguay is to move on to the knockout phase, they'll need a big performance out of Valverde against Spain on Friday.
Three shots, eight crosses in draw
Valverde generated three shots (two on goal), eight crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Valverde slotted as a right winger in what appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 setting, but the Real Madrid playmaker was a dominant presence in the middle of the park due to his passing and crossing skills. Playing in a more advanced role should boost his fantasy upside considerably, and he's tipped to be heavily involved again when Uruguay take on Cape Verde on Sunday, especially considering that Giorgian De Arrascaeta (calf) won't be an option.
Heartbeat of Uruguay midfield
Valverde has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad as the undisputed star of the team under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament as the first-choice penalty taker and one of the most complete midfielders in world football.
Analysis: Valverde delivered another outstanding campaign with Real Madrid, contributing eight goals and 12 assists alongside 62 tackles and 35 interceptions across 46 appearances in all competitions, underlining his status as one of the most dynamic and influential midfielders in European football. His thunderous long-range shooting, ability to cover ground in both directions, arrive late into the box and deliver in the biggest moments make him the heartbeat of Uruguay's midfield and the player around whom manager Marcelo Bielsa builds his entire system. For Uruguay, Valverde is the difference-maker capable of winning matches on his own in a tournament where individual moments of brilliance can prove decisive, and his combination of defensive output, creative contribution and direct goal threat makes him one of the more complete and dangerous midfielders in the entire competition this summer.
Starts Saturday's season finale
Valverde is back from injury and has been named in the starting lineup for Saturday's season finale against Athletic Club.
Analysis: Valverde returned to training over the past week after missing the last three games with a head injury, forcing his way straight back into the starting XI for the final game of the season.
Could be available Saturday
Valverde (head) returned to full training this week and could be an option for Saturday's season finale against Athletic Club, the club posted.
Analysis: Valverde had been ruled out of Sunday's clash against Sevilla after not recovering enough from his cranioencephalic trauma that kept him sidelined for about two weeks, but his return to full collective sessions is the clearest sign yet that he is ready to contribute before the season concludes. The Uruguayan midfielder is expected to push for a starting role against Athletic Club if he comes through the remaining sessions without any issues, giving coach Alvaro Arbeloa a key option back in the midfield engine room for the final fixture of Real Madrid's campaign.
Remains out Sunday
Valverde (head) remains unavailable and will not feature in Sunday's clash against Sevilla, with the club set to assess his condition ahead of next week's season finale against Athletic Club, the club posted.
Analysis: Valverde had been ruled out for 10 to 14 days after suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, and despite returning to training earlier in the week, the club has decided not to rush him back for the Sevilla fixture. Real Madrid will monitor his recovery carefully over the coming days before making a final call on his involvement against Athletic Club, with the midfielder desperate to contribute before the season concludes. Thiago Pitarch or Eduardo Camavinga are expected to cover during his absence.
Back in training, should return
Valverde (head) trained with the team Friday and should be an option for Sunday's clash against Sevilla, according to Madrid Xtra.
Analysis: Valverde had been ruled out for 10 to 14 days after suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, missing the clashes against Barcelona and Oviedo during his absence. His return to the training pitch ahead of Sunday's fixture against Sevilla is an encouraging development, and the club will make a final call on his involvement after assessing how he comes through the final sessions. Getting Valverde back in the fold for the Sevilla clash would restore one of their most important midfield options for the remaining games.
Out 10-14 days with head injury
Valverde will be forced to rest for 10 to 14 days after suffering a cranioencephalic trauma, the club announced Thursday.
Analysis: Valverde is now set to miss the next two La Liga games against Barcelona and Oviedo, respectively, while he recovers from the blow. Additionally, the team has opened disciplinary proceedings against him following an altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni, and there could be further punishment in upcoming days. The Uruguayan's absence from the lineup is a blow to the Merengues' midfield, with Thiago Pitarch and Brahim Diaz set for increased involvement to cover his all-around duties.
Assists Tuesday
Valverde assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Valverde assisted Vinicius Junior's goal in the 50th minute Tuesday, helping Madrid take a 2-0 lead at home. It marked his eighth assist of the season -- his first since Feb. 21 -- to go along with his five goals. It was the only chance he created in the match, and he also took one off target shot, recorded one inaccurate cross and won two tackles in his full 90 minutes of action.
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