Carlo Ancelotti reveals Federico Valverde injury return timeline | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that his star midfielder Fede Valverde would not feature in Saturday's league clash with Real Betis, but would be available for next week's Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

Valverde started Madrid's first 36 matches across all competitions, underscoring his status as Ancelotti's undisputed favourite. The versatile midfielder, who has recently been forced into a role at right-back, was an unused substitute during last weekend's victory over Girona and didn't even make the squad for the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.

The topic of Valverde's availability was a bubbling point of intrigue ahead of Madrid's trip to Seville, with reports suggesting that the Uruguay international had suffered a serious injury. Ancelotti swiftly diffused those concerns.

"He is neither injured nor is it a scheduled rest," the amiable Italian told assembled media. "He has discomfort, he has not recovered well and he will not be there against Betis. But he will be in the next match against Atletico."

Fede Valverde has endured a rare absence from the first team / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

Valverde's impending return serves as a stark contrast to the bleak fate which has befallen fellow midfielder Dani Ceballos. The scheming passer could be sidelined for two months with a severe thigh injury, ruling him out until the Champions League semi-finals at the earliest.

"It's a shame about Ceballos, because he was helping the team a lot with his attitude, his football, his commitment," Ancelotti mused. "But as always, we will sort it out."

Madrid had to overcome Real Sociedad in the cup in midweek without Valverde, Thibaut Courtois and top scorer Kylian Mbappe. The prolific Frenchman was recovering from a tooth extraction and is set to return to action this weekend. "The tooth has disappeared. I don't think he's going to recover it, but he's fine," Ancelotti said with a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. "He's ready to play." Soon, Valverde will be too.