Real Madrid has initiated formal disciplinary action against midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni after a serious physical altercation during a training session. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, escalated to the point where Valverde required hospital treatment for a suspected head injury.
According to the club, the confrontation between the two players was not an isolated event, as tensions flared again during Thursday's training. Valverde was transported to a medical facility but was discharged quickly and returned to the team's Valdebebas training complex.
The severity of the situation prompted an immediate crisis meeting among the squad and club executives. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is personally leading the internal investigation into the matter. The club released a statement confirming the opening of proceedings against both players, noting that resolutions would be announced after the internal procedures are completed.
This internal turmoil comes at a critical juncture in the season, with the highly anticipated Clasico against Barcelona scheduled for Sunday. Barcelona currently holds a commanding 11-point lead at the top of LaLiga and needs only a single point from the match to secure the league title.
The training ground fight adds to a period of significant unrest at the club. Fan frustration has been mounting, particularly directed at forward Kylian Mbappe. An online petition calling for the French star's sale has reportedly garnered 30 million signatures, a figure that, if accurate, would set a world record.
The discontent with Mbappe stems from his recent trip to Sardinia for a personal vacation while recovering from a hamstring injury. His representatives have stated the trip was authorized and that he is following the club's rehabilitation program. However, the optics have been poorly received by supporters, especially given the team's lack of major trophies since his arrival and the stark contrast with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, which won the Champions League the season after he departed.
Real Madrid faces the prospect of ending another season without a major trophy, a situation that has fueled the current atmosphere of crisis at the club. The disciplinary case against Valverde and Tchouameni now represents the latest challenge for the squad as they prepare for a crucial match against their arch-rivals.
Based on reporting from SkySports | News.