Real Madrid Confirm Valverde Set for Lengthy Spell Out With Ankle Injury

Real Madrid have on Tuesday announced a personnel setback in the club's first-team ranks, confirming that captain Federico Valverde is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Valverde had set alarm bells ringing over the weekend after picking up a heavy challenge from Lee Kang-in during Real Madrid's derby day defeat. It later emerged that the Uruguayan midfielder was struggling with an ankle problem, prompting a round of scans and tests at Valdebebas over the following 24 hours.

The results of those tests have now been confirmed. In a statement released across Real Madrid's official website and social media, the club said: "After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain in his left ankle. Pending evolution."

It's not yet clear exactly how long Valverde will be out for, but the 28-year-old will not be joining up with his Uruguay teammates for the upcoming international break.

New medical report on Valverde.https://t.co/mh4X3w7HhC

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 22, 2026

With the injury now officially confirmed, it also means Valverde will definitely be unavailable for El Clasico against Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou on 25 October, as had been reported. The blow will come as a significant setback for Real Madrid, who go into the fixture already facing an uphill task against a Barcelona side enjoying a strong start to the season.