Real Madrid issues shocking statement regarding Valverde's injury

A serious injury and weeks out

Real Madrid have been dealt a major blow. Medical tests have confirmed that Uruguay's Fede Valverde suffered a grade three sprain in his left ankle, an injury that will keep him out for a considerable spell and throws his involvement in the team's first fixture after the international break into doubt.

Real Madrid announced in a medical statement: "Following the examinations carried out by Real Madrid's medical staff today on our player Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with a grade three sprain in his left ankle, and his condition will continue to be monitored."

Valverde picked up the knock during the derby, hurt by a strong challenge from South Korea's Kang-in Lee. Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho objected furiously and demanded a red card, but the referee waved play on.

The club had already hinted after the match that their midfielder was carrying a serious ankle problem. The latest examinations have now confirmed the nature and severity of the injury.

No official timeline has been put on his absence. A grade three sprain typically means significant ligament damage and can take several weeks to heal, leaving the timing of his return unclear.

The fallout stretches beyond the Bernabéu. Valverde had been named in the Uruguay squad but now drops out of Diego Forlán's plans, which means he will miss the fixtures against Japan on 24 September, South Korea on 28 September and India on 6 October.

For Real Madrid, featuring against Villarreal in their first game back looks extremely unlikely. The two sides meet on 10 October at the Santiago Bernabéu, and Valverde could well sit it out if he needs the recovery period expected for an injury of this kind.

What makes it all the more striking is that Valverde finished the derby after the challenge. Only later did the scans reveal the damage to his left ankle.