Real Madrid suffer huge blow as midfield mainstay dealing with fresh back problem
Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Federico Valverde is suffering from lumbosciatica, a lower back issue that can cause pain and discomfort along the spine and down the leg.
According to the club's medical update, the Uruguayan midfielder will likely miss training for about a week. However, the final outcome of his condition remains open as he continues to be monitored.
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'Following tests carried out today on Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with discomfort due to a knock in his lower back. His recovery will be monitored,' read the statement from the club.
The timing of this injury comes just as the club wraps up a difficult La Liga campaign. Despite ending the season in poor form, Real Madrid now shift focus to the upcoming Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso faces a tough start with injury-hit squad
With the Club World Cup set to begin on 14 June, new manager Xabi Alonso has limited time to prepare his squad.
Federico Valverde could be out for a week. (Photo by)
Real Madrid will face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia on 18 June, but the squad's current injury list is cause for concern.
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Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are both recovering from serious knee injuries involving ligament and tendon damage.
Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo are also out but are expected to resume training shortly. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz pulled out of training recently and the severity of his issue is still unknown.
Now, Valverde joins the list. He has arguably been the most used player in the squad this season, appearing in 59 of the club's 62 matches.
Towards the end of the campaign, he was seen struggling through games with muscle issues, often playing while not fully fit due to the team's injury crisis under Ancelotti.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, Valverde's condition does not seem long-term. Barring any setbacks, the midfielder is expected to recover in time to feature in the Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso's leadership.
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