"I don't believe Valverde's medical report"
Real Madrid announced that the Uruguayan player has suffered a grade 3 ankle sprain
Latest news about Real Madrid. Juanma Castaño has questioned the diagnosis of Fede Valverde, a 28-year-old midfielder, following the medical statement released on September 22. The club confirmed a grade 3 sprain in the left ankle, while the journalist finds the relationship between this diagnosis and the expected recovery time intriguing.
The injury occurred during the derby against Atlético Madrid, played on September 20, after a tackle by Kang-In Lee. Valverde was able to finish the match, but subsequent tests revealed the extent of the problem.
Juanma Castaño points out a discrepancy in Real Madrid's medical report
Juanma Castaño's remark came while analyzing the situation on COPE after Real Madrid made their second medical report public. The journalist found it odd that a grade 3 sprain is mentioned when the projected recovery time is around two to three weeks.
The issue stems from a confirmed fact: Real Madrid's announcement only specifies the diagnosis and leaves the progression open. The club has not officially set a timeline for Valverde's absence.
The estimates of two to three weeks come from information released after the medical report and would allow the Uruguayan to potentially return after the international break. Reuters also mentioned this timeframe but noted that the diagnosis corresponds to a more significant ligament injury.
Therefore, Juanma Castaño focused his doubts on the apparent contradiction between the severity of the injury and the estimated recovery time. His comment is a journalistic assessment and does not alter the diagnosis issued by the club's medical services.
🤔 Juanma Castaño's doubts about Fede Valverde's injury
— Tiempo de Juego (@tjcope) September 24, 2026
🫣 "It's a bit odd for a grade 3 diagnosis"https://t.co/M0WZMjKIxT
Fede Valverde sidelined with Uruguay, awaiting progress
The physical issue has ruled Valverde out of Uruguay's squad for the upcoming international fixtures. The midfielder stayed in Madrid after the injury sustained against Atlético.
The context of the derby also explains some of the controversy. The Technical Committee of Referees later acknowledged that Kang-In Lee's tackle on Valverde should have resulted in a red card, with VAR being involved.
José Mourinho displayed images of that incident during the post-match press conference, along with another challenge on Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Atlético and ended the game with Dean Huijsen being sent off.
The absence comes after Valverde reached 250 Liga appearances with Real Madrid on September 15. The Uruguayan had been a starter in all seven league games before the derby and also featured in the Champions League match against Inter.
The next report will determine the actual progress of the injury. While Real Madrid officially maintains the diagnosis of grade 3 and does not set a return date, Juanma Castaño has sparked a debate on the estimated timeframe; Valverde will have to wait for progress before knowing his availability post-international break.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, "No me creo el parte médico de Valverde"