According to AS, Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde is a serious doubt for their trip to face Racing Santander in La Liga after missing Saturday’s training session.
The 28-year-old midfielder suffered a minor injury during the team’s 2-1 win over Barcelona last week and is unlikely to be risked by Jose Mourinho tomorrow.
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Valverde has not trained with Real Madrid this entire week. The Uruguayan international had to be taken off during the Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou due to an injury.
The Real Madrid captain started the game at right-back and sustained the physical problem during the first half, but carried on for almost 40 minutes before eventually being substituted in the second period.
Valverde was absent from training today as well. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Subsequent tests revealed no significant injury to Valverde, much to the relief of Mourinho & co., considering that his performances have been important in the team’s recent improved run of results.
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However, since the team returned to training earlier this week, the midfielder has not participated in a single session with the group, having only worked individually and inside the gym.
There was expectation that he would join the group session today, but that has not panned out as Valverde did not train again, casting major doubts over his availability for the trip to El Sardinero.
Mourinho already confirmed in his press conference earlier today that Valverde would not be in the starting lineup against Racing Santander.
“Fede isn’t starting tomorrow,” he stated.
Set to be rested? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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Now, it appears that Valverde might skip the trip to El Sardinero altogether as he did not train with the group at all.
Real Madrid are expected to depart for Santander at 19:00, meaning a final decision on Valverde’s availability must be made before the flight.
As things stand, the club are leaning towards resting him for the game, with an eye on the upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against AEK Athens next week.
In that scenario, one of Denzel Dumfries or Trent Alexander-Arnold will be in line to start against Racing Santander tomorrow. Both players will be eager to make the most of their chance and stake a claim for more regular involvement.
