Is Fede Valverde injured? What injury does the Real Madrid midfielder have?

The Uruguayan was taken off late in Madrid’s game against Athletic Club.

Federico Valverde was taken off towards the end of Real Madrid’s game against Athletic Club with what looked like a possible injury. The club is yet to confirm anything at this stage but with Manchester City just 9 days away, alarm bells were raised in the Spanish capital.

The Uruguayan midfielder played around 80 minutes of the tie and with Madrid leading 2-0 thanks to a Rodrygo double, cameras focussed on the player as he went to ground off the ball. His teammates surrounded him and he was quickly taken off by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was in no mood to run risks with a key player.

Lucas Vázquez was brought on for the player who played during the international break for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Fans on social media were instantly sent into overdrive with the news that the player had asked to be taken off, with plenty saying they hoped it was only due to fatigue and not a physical issue.

Valverde has been a key part of Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side this season, playing in a midfield three as the rest of the team has changed around him due to injury. Players such as Vini Jr, Bellingham, Tchouaméni and others have all spent time on the sidelines but the Uruguayan has held strong and fans will be crossing their fingers that he has not suffered an injury with such a crucial game to come.

City have their own injury concerns, with Ake, Stones and Walker all doubts as the packed calendar takes its toll. Madrid welcome City to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on April 9 with the return leg in England scheduled for a week later.