Federico Valverde misses El Clásico after head injury in training altercation
Updated
Updated · ESPN · May 8
Federico Valverde misses El Clásico after head injury in training altercation
8 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 8
Real Madrid said the 27-year-old Uruguay captain has cranioencephalic trauma, is recovering at home and must rest 10 to 14 days after Thursday's incident with Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The club opened disciplinary proceedings against both midfielders, while Tchouaméni was not reported injured. Valverde said neither player struck the other and blamed frustration and fatigue.
The absence comes before Sunday's match at Camp Nou, where Barcelona need only a draw to retain LaLiga. The episode adds to reports of wider dressing-room tensions at Madrid.
As a training ground bust-up sidelines a key player, what does it reveal about the escalating crisis at Real Madrid?
Could a simple neck exercise have prevented the head injury that has rocked Real Madrid before the Clasico?