Real Madrid Confidencial The injured player makes a decision, it's confirmed, ok for the World Cup and Xabi smiles
Valverde will not join the Uruguayan national team during this international break in order to recover from his lumbosciatica
Federico Valverde won't join the Uruguayan national team during this international break. The Real Madrid midfielder won't play the matches on June 6 and 11 against Paraguay and Venezuela for the South American Qualifiers.
The reason is clear: he needs to recover from his lower back injury. The decision is confirmed and has been agreed upon by the medical teams of Uruguay and Real Madrid.
The "pajarito" has been dealing with lumbosciatica since the end of the season. The problem worsened in the last LaLiga match against Real Sociedad.
The next day, the club issued a medical report explaining the condition: "after the tests performed on Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with lumbosciatica. Pending evolution." That evolution, as of today, is taking place from the Spanish capital.
Valverde, rest after a marathon season
Valverde's absence with Uruguay has been received as good news in Valdebebas. The player urgently needs rest.
He has been one of the most used footballers in all of Europe during this 2024/25 season. In total, he has played 58 matches and accumulated 82 hrs. 22 min. (4,942 min.), the highest record among all five major leagues.
Carlo Ancelotti used him in every area of the field: as a central midfielder, holding midfielder, and even right back. He always performed.
He was the ideal wildcard in the face of the injury plague and the squad's structural shortcomings. Now, with Xabi Alonso as the new coach and the signings already completed, his role will be more specific and managed.
The priority now is for Valverde to arrive in top form for the Club World Cup. The tournament will be held this summer in the United States under a new expanded format.
For Real Madrid, it's one of the main objectives of the season. Fede is key to facing it with guarantees.
Uruguay gives the green light, Xabi too
From Uruguay, the situation is viewed calmly. The national team is third in the standings for the 2026 World Cup. They have a good advantage over the play-off spots, so they can face this break without one of their stars.
Valverde will stay in Madrid to complete his recovery. He won't push himself. That leaves Xabi Alonso more than satisfied, as he'll be able to count on him at 100% at the start of the summer tournament.
A smart decision, at just the right time.
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