Real Madrid are bracing for a prolonged absence of Fede Valverde after medical examinations revealed a grade three sprain to his left ankle, with initial recovery estimates projecting a layoff of two to three months.
The Uruguayan international sustained the injury during the first half of Real Madrid’s 2–1 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid following a heavy challenge from Kang-in Lee that went unpunished by the referee. Despite the pain, Valverde persevered and played through to the final whistle.
Real Madrid released an official statement confirming the diagnosis: “Following tests carried out on our player Fede Valverde by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a grade three sprain in his left ankle. His recovery will be monitored.”
While the club refrained from specifying an official timeline, Spanish outlet El País reports that injuries of this severity typically require two to three months of rehabilitation, aligning with standard medical references for severe sprains and ligament tears (six to 12 weeks). Conversely, a report from Diario AS suggested a two-week absence, though that timeframe appears inconsistent with a grade three diagnosis.
Should his recovery span two months, Real Madrid will be without Valverde for upcoming fixtures against Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla, Leipzig, Barcelona, Racing Santander, Valencia, AEK Athens, and Celta Vigo, with his absence potentially extending to the UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven. If full recovery takes three months, he would additionally miss encounters with Alavés, Athletic Club, Arsenal, Osasuna, and Deportivo La Coruña, setting a likely return date for late December or early January.
Valverde had featured in all eight of Real Madrid’s matches this season, starting all seven La Liga fixtures, scoring one goal, providing one assist, and earning Man of the Match honors in the 2–1 victory over Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old’s injury exacerbates a growing selection crisis for manager José Mourinho. Eder Militão continues his recovery from hamstring surgery, Ferland Mendy underwent a procedure on his rectus femoris, and Rodrygo remains on the long-term recovery path following a torn ACL and lateral meniscus.
