Real Madrid star playing through injury vs Atlético | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Federico Valverde is playing through the pain barrier in the club’s showdown with Atlético this evening.

Real, of course, are currently locked in action on the continent.

In the first of two Madrid Derby Champions League Last-16 legs, Los Blancos have welcomed Diego Simeone’s Atlético to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The aforementioned Federico Valverde for his part featured from the off in the clash, taking his place at right-back amid the ongoing absence of Dani Carvajal.

This, though, comes despite the Uruguayan continuing to struggle for fitness.

Valverde sat out each of Real Madrid’s last three outings before tonight, and was considered a major doubt to play his part in the derby as a result.

As confirmed by COPE, the 26-year-old is still some way off optimal condition, dealing with a muscular tear:

‘Fede Valverde is not 100%, he has a fibrillar tear since the match with Osasuna.

‘He forced himself against City and will do it again tonight.’

Conor Laird – GSFN