Real Madrid midfielder took a pain-killer to play vs Man City; will be rested against Girona | OneFootball

Federico Valverde was one of Real Madrid’s best players as they defeated Manchester City 3-1 in La Liga in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff to book a place in the Round of 16.

The Uruguayan international had to play as a makeshift right-back, for a third game in a row, with Lucas Vazquez still not being fit enough to start.

And, he delivered a brilliant performance on the night, playing a key part in Los Blancos’ securing a triumphant victory vs Pep Guardiola’s men.

Valverde took a painkiller before game

Now, according to AS, Valverde was dealing with some discomfort before the game against Manchester City and took a painkiller injection to play against the Premier League champions.

The Uruguayan picked up a knock last weekend against Osasuna and did not train with the team on Monday, suggesting that the issue was a concern.

Rest incoming for Valverde. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

He was dealing with some discomfort in his left thigh and had to be injected with a pain-killer before playing the Cityzens at the Bernabeu.

Rest against Girona

An alternate report from AS now claims that Valverde took another injection after the game against Manchester City for the pain.

And with Lucas Vazquez now ready to start, there is a very good chance that the midfielder will be given a rest by Carlo Ancelotti tomorrow against Girona.

The idea is for the Uruguayan international to be at his best physically when Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey next week and then take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 a week after that.

As such, Valverde, who has played in each of Real Madrid’s 41 matches this season, will likely get a breather against Girona tomorrow.