A serious incident has rocked Real Madrid's training ground, resulting in an injury to midfielder Federico Valverde and a formal disciplinary investigation by the club. The confrontation occurred between Valverde and his teammate Aurelien Tchouameni during a session, escalating from a heated argument into a physical altercation.
According to reports, the tension began when Valverde allegedly refused to shake Tchouameni's hand earlier in the day. The situation deteriorated significantly after training, with the dispute continuing in the dressing room. During the scuffle, Valverde fell and struck his head on a table, sustaining a laceration that required medical attention.
The Uruguayan international was subsequently taken to a hospital where he received stitches for the cut. Real Madrid's medical staff diagnosed him with a head trauma, and the club has confirmed he will be sidelined for an estimated 10 to 14 days as a result of the injury.
In response to the event, Real Madrid issued an official statement confirming that a disciplinary process has been initiated against both Valverde and Tchouameni. The club emphasized its commitment to maintaining internal order and professionalism within the squad.
Valverde later took to social media to address the situation directly. In his statement, he expressed deep regret over the incident, framing it as a culmination of frustration from a disappointing season. He pointedly suggested that details of the altercation were being leaked and exaggerated, stating, "It's clear that someone here is spreading this incident immediately."
The player stressed that the physical contact was accidental and that neither he nor Tchouameni intentionally struck the other. He attributed the outburst to the emotional toll of a challenging campaign, particularly following their elimination from the Champions League, which left the team without a major trophy. Valverde apologized to the fans and the club, reaffirming his dedication to Real Madrid.
This internal conflict presents a significant challenge for the club as they navigate the final stretch of the season. The absence of Valverde, a key player, due to an injury sustained in a teammate dispute, adds an unwelcome layer of disruption to the squad's preparations.
Based on reporting from Hürriyet.