Valverde faces two-to-three-week lay-off after grade-three ankle sprain

Lead

Real Madrid have confirmed that Fede Valverde has suffered a grade-three sprain to his left ankle, an injury sustained during the 2-1 Madrid derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on 20 September. Source 1Source 2Source 3

Valverde completed the full match despite the ankle injury, which followed a challenge involving Atletico Madrid’s Lee Kang-in. Source 1Source 3

The club released its medical bulletin on 22 September after tests on the midfielder. Source 2

The diagnosis

Real Madrid’s diagnosis is a grade-three sprain in Valverde’s left ankle, with the official update stating that his condition is pending further evolution. Source 2

A grade-three ankle sprain is described as the most severe form of ligament injury and involves a complete tear. Source 1

The club did not attach a firm return date to its bulletin, but reports from Sports Mole and BeSoccer put the expected absence at around two to three weeks. Source 2Source 3Source 4

Those reports expect Valverde to miss Uruguay’s upcoming friendlies against Japan and South Korea, while Sports Mole also reports that he will remain in Spain during the international break to work on his recovery. Source 3Source 4

Sporting impact

The absence would remove a player who, per HFC records, has started each of Real Madrid’s seven La Liga matches this season, totalling 564 minutes and one assist. Source 5

Valverde has also made one Champions League appearance this season and scored once in that competition, per HFC records. Source 5

Real Madrid’s first match after the international break is at home to Villarreal on 10 October, and reports anticipate that fixture as Valverde’s potential return point. Source 3Source 4Source 6

The schedule then takes Real Madrid to Roma in the Champions League on 14 October before home matches against Sevilla on 18 October and RB Leipzig on 21 October. Source 6

A La Liga visit to Barcelona follows on 25 October, while Real Madrid are fourth in the table after seven matches with 15 points from five wins and two defeats. Source 6Source 7

Notes

The clearest open question is the precise recovery timetable, because the club’s wording leaves the diagnosis subject to further evolution rather than confirming a date for his return. Source 2

The available external projections are broadly aligned but not identical: Sports Mole reported a two-week absence, while BeSoccer reported a two-to-three-week spell out. Source 3Source 4

Both outlets nevertheless pointed towards the Villarreal match on 10 October as the likely target for Valverde’s availability, which remains an expectation rather than an official clearance. Source 3Source 4

Jose Mourinho also criticised the refereeing decisions relating to the challenge on Valverde after the derby, according to Reuters. Source 1