Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over rivals Barcelona, but the win was overshadowed by coach José Mourinho’s post-match revelation that midfielder Fede Valverde played a significant portion of the game while injured. This news emerges as Los Blancos face a demanding schedule of three away matches in just seven days.
Valverde’s Determination Amidst Injury
Mourinho stated that Valverde “played injured for more than 40 minutes” during the intense El Clásico encounter. The coach praised the Uruguayan’s commitment, noting that he “got injured, wanted to continue, pushed himself to his limits, and gave everything while he was on the field.” As of the report, Real Madrid had not released a medical update on the midfielder’s specific condition or an estimated recovery timeline.
Valverde was part of the starting XI alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni, Bernardo Silva, and Jude Bellingham. His continued presence on the field despite the injury highlights his dedication, but also raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming fixtures.
Demanding Schedule Ahead
The timing of Valverde’s injury is particularly challenging for Real Madrid. The team is set to play three away games in quick succession, offering little breathing space. Their upcoming opponents include Racing Santander on November 1, AEK Athens in the Champions League on November 4, and Valencia on November 7. This demanding run will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of Mourinho’s squad.
The victory against Barcelona marked Real Madrid’s fifth consecutive win, a result that leaves them three points behind their rivals in the league standings. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial, and Valverde’s availability will be key for navigating the challenging fixtures ahead.
Other Squad News
In other team news, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois missed the Barcelona clash due to a flu-like illness. Andriy Lunin stepped in as the starter, with Mourinho expressing confidence in his abilities. The coach’s message to Lunin before kick-off was simple: “You train to play, not to sit on the bench. Go and play.”
Eduardo Camavinga, who had a strong display in the 4-1 win over RB Leipzig, came off the bench against Barcelona to assist Kylian Mbappé’s late winning goal, further demonstrating the squad’s depth.