Real Madrid midfielder set to play against Atletico despite injury risk | OneFootball

There is much anxiety and excitement within the Real Madrid camp surrounding their upcoming Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

The first of the two-legged Round of 16 tie will be played tomorrow, as Real Madrid play hosts to their cross-town rivals.

Heading into this game, Real Madrid were dealt a major blow as Federico Valverde was notably missing from training yesterday.

The midfielder’s absence sparked fears that he may not be available for tomorrow’s key encounter against Atletico Madrid.

Valverde to play vs Atletico

However, a recent report from Rodra has suggested that Real Madrid are extremely serious about the Atletico Madrid tie and as such, coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to go all out against Diego Simeone’s men.

Federico Valverde will play vs Atletico Madrid (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Keeping that in mind, Ancelotti will include Valverde in the team despite the obvious risks surrounding his hamstring.

Real Madrid, after all, cannot afford to aggravate Valverde’s injury at this crucial juncture of the campaign.

But recent reports have given out a positive indicator regarding the Uruguayan international’s fitness, with some even claiming that he will soon be able to resume normal training.

Valverde, for his part, is keen on helping his team out and does not want to rest out the Atletico Madrid match.

Real Madrid, therefore, are ready to field Valverde in the right-back position against Atletico Madrid. The club already consider him the best right-back in the world and he will be preferred ahead of Lucas Vazquez.

The veteran Vazquez has more experience in playing right-back, but his lack of defensive prowess could make Real Madrid vulnerable on the flank.