Real Madrid mainstay a serious doubt for Real Betis clash, racing to be fit vs Atletico | OneFootball

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has hit a physical limit. After 41 consecutive appearances, the Uruguayan has been forced to stop, missing the last two matches against Girona and Real Sociedad.

The 26-year-old had been dealing with discomfort for a while now and played against Manchester City after taking pain-killer injections.

Following that, he was rested in the last two matches, with the aim of having the mainstay ready for the upcoming matches.

Valverde likely to miss Real Betis clash

However, according to a report from Jorge C Picon, Valverde’s absence is not just a matter of rest. He is dealing with more than just minor discomfort in his hamstring, according to sources inside the dressing room.

As a result, his availability for Saturday’s clash against Real Betis is highly uncertain, and he is now focused on recovering in time for the upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid.

Valverde has been managing these physical issues for several weeks, but the match against Osasuna pushed him to his limit.

Workload taking its toll. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite this, he pushed through the pain to complete 90 minutes against Manchester City, knowing that he would need a break afterward.

Although he was named in the squad and even warmed up against Girona, the plan was always to avoid playing him. He did not travel to San Sebastian for the Copa del Rey match this week, further confirming that his condition was more serious than initially believed.

Workload taking its toll

There were concerns this could happen. Valverde has played more minutes (3,359) than any outfield player in the top five European leagues this season. Only AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan (3,381 minutes) has played more.

On top of this, he has also logged 450 minutes with Uruguay, including long-haul international travel. Those close to him were aware that an injury could occur at some point, and now it has come in February, a critical period in the season.

Because of this, there has been frustration over Carlo Ancelotti’s limited squad rotation, as many felt Valverde could have been given more rest in certain matches.

Real Madrid are doing everything possible to have Valverde fit for the Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid on March 4. He is undergoing intensive treatment, including massage therapy and gym sessions, to accelerate his recovery.

The Spanish capital giants remain optimistic that he will be ready for the derby against Atletico at the Bernabeu, but progress is being evaluated day by day to avoid raising false hopes.