Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde celebrates scoring his side’s 3rd goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Tensions inside Real Madrid’s dressing room have escalated dramatically ahead of this weekend’s El Clásico against FC Barcelona, with midfielder Federico Valverde now officially ruled out of the match after sustaining a head injury during an altercation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni at training.The incident took place during Thursday’s session at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas complex, just days before the crucial meeting with Barcelona, and followed an earlier confrontation between the two midfielders during Wednesday’s training.According to ESPN sources, the altercation took place on Thursday at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex, just three days before the club’s crucial meeting with Barcelona. The incident reportedly followed an earlier confrontation between the two midfielders during Wednesday’s training session.
Real Madrid confirm Valverde suffered head trauma
Real Madrid confirmed on Friday that Valverde had been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma following medical examinations. The club said in a statement: “After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma. “Valverde is at home in good condition and will need to rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by medical protocols for this diagnosis.” The injury means the Uruguay captain will miss Sunday’s El Clásico. There was no reported injury to Tchouaméni following the incident involving the France international.
Valverde required stitches after altercation
According to one source who spoke to ESPN, the confrontation broke out at the end of training following a practice match that included several heavy challenges.The source said Tchouaméni initially went into the changing room before Valverde entered shortly afterwards “looking very tense,” which is where the fight reportedly escalated.Another source told ESPN that Valverde kicked Tchouaméni during training before the two exchanged insults, with Tchouaméni then allegedly striking Valverde heavily during the confrontation. That same source claimed the tension between the pair had existed since Xabi Alonso was still at the club.ESPN further reported that Valverde suffered a cut during the incident and later required stitches after being taken to hospital.
Tensions worsened after Wednesday altercation
Spanish outlet Marca had already reported that the two midfielders were involved in a heated altercation during Wednesday’s session following a foul in training.According to the report, tensions carried over into Thursday, where the situation was described internally as “much worse” than the original incident.Marca also claimed Valverde refused to shake Tchouaméni’s hand upon returning to training following the earlier confrontation, contributing to what was described as a worsening atmosphere inside the squad.Other teammates reportedly intervened during Thursday’s clash before the situation escalated further.
Álvaro Arbeloa reportedly held emergency meeting
Following the incident, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is reported to have called an emergency crisis meeting in an attempt to calm tensions within the dressing room.The reported incident comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding the atmosphere inside the Real Madrid squad under head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.Spanish reports this week claimed several players are barely speaking to one another, while six members of the squad are also reportedly not engaging directly with Arbeloa.The atmosphere around the club has already been tense following criticism directed toward Kylian Mbappé after his brief trip to Sardinia while recovering from a muscular issue in his left leg.
Mbappé also remains at centre of scrutiny
Mbappé was photographed last weekend on a yacht in Sardinia alongside girlfriend Ester Expósito while recovering from injury.The French forward returned to training on Monday, but the timing of the trip reportedly caused frustration among sections of the squad and supporters.Spanish reports claimed there was “incomprehension” among teammates regarding the holiday, while an online petition calling for Mbappé to leave the club reportedly gained traction earlier this week.Mbappé also released a statement through a spokesperson insisting the criticism aimed at him was “NOT corresponding to the reality and the work that Kylian does daily for the good of the team”.The France captain had already faced criticism this season over alleged “individualism” within the dressing room and was also reportedly involved in a heated confrontation with one of Arbeloa’s assistants during training. He additionally drew attention after reportedly liking and then removing a like from a social media post calling for José Mourinho to return to Madrid and replace Arbeloa at the end of the season.Hours after Thursday’s reported altercation between Valverde and Tchouaméni, footage also emerged showing Mbappé leaving the Valdebebas complex smiling and laughing while driving away from training.
El Clásico pressure continues to build
The timing of the reported incidents adds further pressure ahead of the final El Clásico of the season.Barcelona currently sit 11 points ahead of Real Madrid in the La Liga table, with Madrid’s recent victory over RCD Espanyol having delayed Barcelona’s title celebrations.Defeat for Madrid this weekend could officially confirm Barcelona as league champions when the two rivals meet at Camp Nou on Sunday. Go to Source
