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Real Madrid’s preparations for this weekend’s decisive El Clásico fixture against Barcelona have been thrown into turmoil following reports that midfielder Fede Valverde has been hospitalised.
According to an initial report from Marca, the Uruguayan international required medical attention following a physical altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni after a training session at Valdebebas.
Fede Valverde 'hospitalised' after dressing room incident
The timing of the incident is particularly damaging for Real Madrid, who are scheduled to face Barcelona this Sunday evening in a match that will likely decide the destination of the LaLiga title.
Valverde is considered a core component of Madrid’s midfield and tactical balance, therefore his potential absence, coupled with ongoing fitness concerns for Kylian Mbappé, leaves the team significantly weakened.
While Real Madrid are yet to release an official statement confirming the incident or comment on the extent of Valverde’s injuries, Marca suggest he sustained a head cut after the training session.
It is claimed Tchouameni did not deliver the blow which ultimately led to the cut, but that the pair were involved in a violent altercation within the confines of the dressing room.
Barcelona, meanwhile, arrive at the fixture with a largely fully fit squad, Lamine Yamal aside, and the psychological advantage of knowing their rivals are in disarray.
If Valverde is ruled out of the Clásico, Arbeloa will likely have to pivot to a more defensive setup or rely on Eduardo Camavinga to fill the void, though the loss of Valverde’s leadership and work rate remains a major blow.
Barcelona can clinch the LaLiga title this weekend by avoiding defeat against their arch rivals. Los Cules have won each of their 17 home league matches under Hansi Flick this season and are favourites for the match.
