Federico Valverde has given Real Madrid cause for concern after revealing on arrival in Montevideo that he is still playing through pain, despite returning to the club’s starting line-up before joining up with Uruguay.
The Real Madrid captain spoke days after José Mourinho warned that several of his players were struggling with fatigue following the win over Valencia. Valverde has joined Diego Forlán’s Uruguay squad for two friendlies.
“I played two games in pain and I’m still feeling it. I’m not 100% fit, but when your country calls you up, you have to answer,” Valverde told radio station Sport 890 after landing in Montevideo.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Valverde’s muscle problems began in the Clásico against Barcelona on 25 October, when he asked to come off early in the second half. He had already missed the previous international break through injury.
Mourinho rested him against Racing Santander and named him on the bench against AEK Athens in the Champions League. Valverde then returned to the starting XI against Valencia at Mestalla, opening the scoring in a 3–0 win.
Asked about playing on the right under Mourinho, Valverde added, “I prepare to play wherever the coach wants me. Right now I’m playing at right-back, so I’m working to do that job well and be the best in my position.”
Uruguay visit Argentina at La Bombonera on 13 November before hosting the Dominican Republic in Maldonado four days later.
Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu on 21 November, just four days after Uruguay’s final game of the break.
