Federico Valverde has overcome his fitness problems and is closing in on a return for Real Madrid against AEK Athens in the Champions League after missing the match against Racing Santander.
According to Marca, the Uruguay international trained normally with his teammates and is expected to be available to José Mourinho for the European fixture, provided he suffers no setback before the game.
Valverde experienced discomfort in his right hamstring during the Clásico against Barcelona. The problem persisted over the following days, prompting the coaching staff to leave him out of the trip to Santander, although examinations revealed no concerning injury.
He returned during a session in which the starters against Racing carried out recovery work while the remaining players trained as usual. Marca also reported that Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo remained absent.
Valverde’s availability reopens the competition at right-back, where Mourinho has recently deployed him despite having two specialists in Denzel Dumfries and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The coach previously acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but insisted that the players understood his decision. Asked whether either might request a move, he said: “I don’t think they will ask to leave.” He added: “Everyone will play in the end,” pointing to the demanding schedule and the need for rotation.
However, the Uruguayan’s return does not necessarily settle who will play at right-back against AEK. Mourinho revealed that he had already been considering changes in midfield and moving Valverde back there, leaving a return to his natural position firmly on the table.
