Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has been named in the matchday squad to face Villarreal just 19 days after suffering a Grade 3 left ankle sprain, defying initial medical projections that suggested an absence of up to three months (Diario AS). The injury originated from a challenge by Kang-in Lee during the derby against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on September 20, a match the club lost 2-1 (MARCA). While medical literature and standard professional timelines generally estimate a two- to three-month recovery for such a severe injury—and a recent Grade 3 sprain suffered by Dani Ceballos on September 1, 2024, required a 33-day absence—Valverde has returned to full training in under three weeks (Diario AS).
Valverde Returns to Full Group Training
Following the derby, the club issued two updates, initially reporting a severe trauma before confirming a Grade 3 sprain of the left ankle (MARCA). During the international break, Valverde progressed from individual gym work and ball-touching exercises to completing a stress test on the grass and ultimately returning to full group training in Valdebebas (Diario AS). Although manager Carlo Mourinho noted in a press conference that the player remained a game-time decision, the midfielder was officially included in the matchday squad (SPORT).
Mourinho Manages Squad Options for Villarreal Fixture
Mourinho faces several squad management decisions ahead of the Villarreal fixture alongside the integration of the returning captain. Tchouameni and Bellingham are set to start, leaving options such as Bernardo Silva and Camavinga under consideration alongside Valverde (Diario AS). Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has recovered from a left knee posterior capsule hyperextension that forced him to leave France’s squad, and his starting spot is assured (Diario AS).
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