Valverde’s fitness remains a major doubt just a couple of days before the European derby, leaving Ancelotti with few options in midfield.
Fede Valverde’s fitness has become the latest headache for Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid. Following Sunday morning’s workout session, it emerged that the Uruguayan midfielder was unable to train with the rest of the squad. Valverde, who was left out of the squad for the clash against Real Betis – a potentially title-denting three points dropped – is still struggling with an adductor injury and is now locked in a race against the clock to be available for Tuesday’s European derby first leg. His participation remains very much up in the air.
Will Valverde play against Atlético?
“Valverde trained individually, both indoors and on the pitch. A decision will be made tomorrow on whether he can join the group session,” said a club source from within Real Madrid on Sunday morning. This leaves Ancelotti waiting until Monday to find out whether he can count on Valverde, a key player in Madrid’s system and one of the most significant absences – alongside Jude Bellingham – in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at the Heliópolis.
It’s worth noting that Bellingham is also suspended for the Champions League match, adding to the team’s selection issues. If Valverde is cleared to play, Ancelotti will face a tactical decision: slot the Uruguayan in at right-back or deploy him in central midfield alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Luka Modric is unlikely to start after playing the full 90 minutes against Betis.
If Valverde is ruled out, Ancelotti’s options become severely limited. Lucas Vázquez would be the only available choice at right-back, while the midfield would likely see Brahim Díaz or Arda Güler join Camavinga and Tchouaméni – with Dani Ceballos also sidelined through injury. Nacho Fernández will return to the starting lineup to partner Antonio Rüdiger at center-back.