Atletico Madrid teased Real Madrid after Federico Valverde made a shock comeback, posting on X that the Uruguayan midfielder rejoined the squad for Saturday’s clash with Villarreal barely three weeks after a reported third‑degree ankle sprain in the derby. Who knew a sprain could spark such banter?
The club’s X feed congratulated Real for “continuing to make history,” joking that “100% of the global medical community was wrong.”
It added the tags #MiracleRecovery and #Grade3Sprain, mocking the typical two‑to‑three‑month layoff for such injuries, yet Valverde trained with the squad just 17 days after the report.
The injury occurred in the September 20 derby, which Atletico won 2‑1 at the Metropolitano after a hard tackle by Kang‑in Lee. Valverde finished the game, but swelling surfaced post‑match and a third‑degree sprain was confirmed on September 22, with his recovery listed as “pending evolution.”
Real kept the news quiet until the Villarreal lineup was released, and Jose Mourinho stressed on Friday that nothing is settled. He labelled Valverde “the doubt” and said a decision will be made on Saturday, leaving his starting status uncertain. For my money, Mourinho’s caution is wise.
Dani Carvajal’s move to Getafe revives the 2021 Barcelona nightmare that haunted Lionel Messi.
Can Madrid’s giants close the gap before Barcelona pulls further ahead?
Barcelona rides a perfect record—seven wins, 21 points—to sit comfortably atop LaLiga. Atletico Madrid trails in second with 16 points, level with Real Betis, while Real Madrid sits fourth on 15 after five victories and two defeats.
The gap forces both clubs to chase wins this weekend: Real hosts Villarreal on Saturday, October 10, Atletico travels to Alavés the same day, and Barcelona meets Getafe.