Atletico Madrid Mock Real Over Valverde’s Rapid Ankle Injury Return

Federico Valverde could return for Real Madrid against Villarreal only 17 days after a grade-three sprain to his left ankle, a recovery that has prompted a public and sarcastic response from Atletico Madrid following a tense derby dispute.

Valverde returns to training ahead of Villarreal

The Uruguay midfielder was injured in the Madrid derby at the Metropolitano on September 20, when he was caught by a heavy Lee Kang-in challenge. Atletico won that match 2-1, but the incident became one of the main talking points afterwards.

• Real Madrid’s initial assessment described a grade-three sprain in Valverde’s left ankle.
• Such an injury can normally keep a player out for as long as 12 weeks.
• Valverde withdrew from Uruguay duty during the subsequent international break.
• He nevertheless resumed full sessions at Valdebebas 17 days after the diagnosis.
• Jose Mourinho then included him in the squad for Villarreal’s visit.

Mourinho must now determine whether Valverde is ready to start or whether his first involvement should come as a substitute. His mobility and condition will be closely watched if he plays, particularly given the seriousness initially attached to the ankle problem.

Atletico challenge Real Madrid’s medical report

Atletico used their official X account to question how Valverde could be available so quickly after Real Madrid reported a grade-three sprain. Their post suggested that the speed of his return contradicted accepted medical expectations.

“Congratulations to Real Madrid for once again making history and showing that the entire global medical community was wrong,” Atletico wrote.

The message also included the hashtags “#MiraculousRecovery”, “#MedicalReport”, “#Grade3Sprain” and “#TheStoryYouMade”, directing the criticism at Real Madrid’s handling and description of the injury.

Derby tackle remains at the centre of the row

The exchange is the latest consequence of the September 20 derby. Real Madrid were angered by Lee’s tackle on Valverde and argued during the match that the South Korean should have received a straight red card.

Neither the referee nor VAR took that action at the time. Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees, however, later accepted that Lee should have been dismissed.

Atletico’s decision to challenge the reported extent of Valverde’s injury appears to follow the continuing complaints from Real Madrid over that refereeing call. The Villarreal match will now bring another focus to the episode, with Valverde’s selection likely to be examined by both clubs’ supporters.