Real Madrid’s two midfielders are facing consequences for their altercation
Federico Valverde was reportedly hospitalized with a head injury following a dressing room dispute with Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, though he denies physical blows were exchanged.
The Uruguayan international stated that the injury, which will sideline him for Sunday’s match against Barcelona, occurred when he “accidentally hit a table.”
Valverde explained he sustained a “small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital” during what he characterized as an argument.
The club has initiated disciplinary proceedings against both players, confirming Valverde, 27, has been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma, indicative of a concussion.
The incident occurred Thursday morning, just three days before Real Madrid’s crucial match against rivals Barcelona.
“Valverde is at home in good condition and will have to remain at rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by the medical protocols for this diagnosis,” the club stated.
In a statement released on Instagram, Valverde asserted: “At no point did my teammate hit me, and I didn’t hit him either, although I understand it’s easier for you to believe we came to blows or that it was intentional, but that didn’t happen.”
“I feel that my anger about the situation, my frustration at seeing some of us struggling to get through the end of the season on our last legs, giving it our all, pushed me to the point of arguing with a teammate.”
“I’m sorry. I’m truly sorry because this situation hurts me, this moment we’re going through is painful. Real Madrid is one of the most important things in my life, and I can’t just turn a blind eye to it.”
“The result is a buildup of things that culminate in a senseless fight, damaging my image and leaving room for doubt – for people to fabricate stories, slander me, and sensationalize an incident.”
“I have no doubt that any disagreements we might have off the field ceases to exist on it, and if I have to defend the team inside a stadium, I’ll be the first to do so.”
Valverde also addressed reports of a prior disagreement, stating: “In a normal locker room, these things can happen and are usually resolved internally without it becoming public knowledge.”
“Clearly, someone here is spreading rumors, and with a season without titles, where Real Madrid is always under scrutiny, everything gets blown out of proportion.”
An emergency meeting was reportedly convened Thursday evening, attended by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, staff members, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and club captain Dani Carvajal.
Real Madrid’s season has been considered disappointing, currently positioned 11 points behind Barcelona in La Liga with four games remaining, and having been eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-final stage, with Valverde characterizing it as another “wasted year.”
Anything other than a victory for Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Nou Camp would effectively secure Barcelona’s La Liga title, with three games remaining.
The reported altercation between teammates adds to Real Madrid’s challenges ahead of the crucial match.
In its statement regarding the incident, Real Madrid stated: “The club will provide updates on the resolutions of both proceedings once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed.”
Spanish media outlets suggest that the incident has been internally described by some staff members as “the most serious ever experienced in Valdebebas.”
Reports of tension between Valverde and Tchouameni coincide with claims of other disagreements within the Real Madrid dressing room.
Earlier in the week, Alvaro Carreras responded to reports that he had an altercation with Antonio Rudiger.
Carreras did not specify which player he was referring to when he posted a statement on Instagram that read: “In recent days, certain insinuations and comments about me have emerged that do not correspond to reality.”
“My commitment to this club and to the coaches I have had has been complete from day one, and it will continue to be so. Since I returned [after spells at Manchester United and Benfica], I have always worked with the utmost professionalism, respect and dedication. I have fought very hard to fulfill my dream of returning home.”
“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.”
Supporters have also showed their discontent with star striker Kylian Mbappe this week, after he spent some recovery time in Sardinia with his girlfriend.
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