Valverde faces possible absence from Uruguay vs India after ankle blow in Atlético defeat

Federico Valverde could miss Uruguay’s friendly with India after sustaining a left-ankle injury during Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid. Early indications point to a multi-week absence from action.

Initial reports identify the problem as an issue with Valverde’s left ankle, and Real Madrid have not issued a medical statement confirming the full nature of the injury or a precise recovery timetable. The club’s official diagnosis remains pending while observers assess the likely length of any layoff.

The incident occurred in the opening quarter of the match when Kang-In Lee’s studs struck Valverde’s left ankle. Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias did not show a card for the challenge and VAR did not request an on-field review; play continued after the contact despite the referee’s clear view of the situation.

Federico Valverde had started the derby and, a few days earlier, scored one of Real Madrid’s goals in their Champions League opener against Inter. The timing of the injury has raised concern because it affects a player regarded as central to Real Madrid’s midfield.

Guillermo Rai of The Athletic reports the medical assessment anticipates Valverde will be sidelined for two to three weeks and is unlikely to travel to Uruguay for the forthcoming international break. That absence would rule him out of Uruguay’s scheduled friendly against India.