Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde has been ruled out with an ankle injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguay international was injured following a challenge by Atletico midfielder Lee Kang-in, with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho arguing that the tackle warranted a red card.
Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that medical tests revealed a grade three sprain in Valverde’s left ankle.
“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,” the club said.
Spanish media reports indicate that Valverde could spend several weeks on the sidelines and miss Uruguay’s upcoming friendlies against Japan, South Korea and India.
Mourinho had highlighted Lee’s challenge during his post-match press conference, presenting screenshots of two tackles he believed should have resulted in Atletico players being sent off.
