Valverde faces long absence due to injury

Reports suggest that Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde could be sidelined for an extended period due to an injury sustained during his team's 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby.

Real Madrid stated in an official statement: "After the examinations conducted today on our player Federico Valverde by the medical services of Real Madrid, he has been diagnosed with a third-degree sprain in his left ankle. The injury is subject to development."

Catalan newspaper 'Sport' reports that the Uruguayan star could be out for around 8 weeks, although Real Madrid did not specify the duration of his absence in their official statement, merely confirming the nature of the injury and that developments in his condition will determine the time he needs to recover.

Initial reports have confirmed that the player will return after the current international break, and that the injury he is suffering from will keep him out of the team for up to 3 weeks.

If Federico Valverde's absence is confirmed for 8 weeks, he will miss El Clásico against Barcelona.