Ancelotti keeping a close eye on Real Madrid superstar’s fitness following injury scare vs Valladolid | OneFootball

Leading up to last weekend’s La Liga clash against Real Valladolid, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for Federico Valverde, calling him the ‘most complete player in the world’ at the moment.

The Uruguayan international has been a permanent fixture for Los Blancos under Ancelotti. After playing 54 out of a possible 55 matches for the team last season and has featured in all 34 games in all competitions so far in 2024/25.

Valverde’s endurance is remarkable for a player whose style is based on physical prowess.

Reason to be concerned?

However, late in the match against Valladolid on Sunday, Valverde began feeling discomfort from a knock sustained during the Champions League match against Salzburg on Wednesday, causing Ancelotti to take him off in stoppage time.

Valverde is untouchable for Ancelotti. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde appeared to be in pain when attempting to strike a shot from outside the box. Despite the discomfort, he stayed on the pitch until Ancelotti opted to give him a brief rest of just two minutes, substituting him for academy player Lorenzo Aguado.

As such, SPORT reports that Ancelotti is closely monitoring Valverde’s physical condition ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Brest.

No matter where he is placed – whether at right-back as in the Salzburg match, or in any central midfield role – his presence is crucial for the team, as recognised by the manager.

Real Madrid needs to secure a good result in the Champions League on Wednesday to improve their position in the group, aiming to finish as high as possible to play the Round of 16.

Valverde is an essential part of the team’s machinery, and an undisputed starter for Ancelotti. As such, an untimely injury would disrupt the manager’s plans.