AS reported that Real Madrid star Fede Valverde played in Sunday’s match against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu despite being ill, after consulting with coach Xabi Alonso.
Valverde started in his least preferred position, right back, and performed admirably, stopping any threat from Barcelona winger Marcus Rashford or left back Alejandro Balde.
According to the report, Valverde suffered mild cold symptoms on Saturday, which worsened and became more severe on Sunday morning, just hours before El Clásico. This forced coach Alonso to intervene and engage in a lengthy discussion with the Uruguayan international.
Ultimately, Valverde decided to take painkillers to combat the fever and gastroenteritis he was diagnosed with. Alonso decided to start Valverde in El Clásico, and he led his team for 72 minutes.
Valverde began to feel pain again in the 60th minute, and was referred to the medical staff to relieve it. This time, Alonso intervened in the 72nd minute and decided to replace him with captain Dani Carvajal.
This fever is not expected to pose a problem for Valverde’s presence in Real Madrid’s next match against Valencia, scheduled for next Saturday.
