Real Madrid have launched disciplinary proceedings against midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni following a heated training ground incident that left Valverde requiring hospital treatment.
“Following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team’s training session, (the club) has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni,” the club said in an official statement on Thursday, May 7.
Spanish reports said Valverde was taken to a nearby hospital after suffering a facial wound that required stitches. He was accompanied by coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Madrid later confirmed the midfielder sustained a head injury but remains in “good condition” and is expected to rest for up to two weeks.
The setback rules the 27-year-old out of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona in La Liga, a match that could seal the title for the Catalan side.
Valverde moved quickly to play down the seriousness of the situation. “The strain of the competition and frustration caused the situation to escalate,” he wrote on Instagram, expressing regret at the media coverage of the incident.
“I accidentally hit a table during the argument, causing a small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital.
“At no point did my team-mate hit me, and I didn’t hit him either.”
According to Marca, the disagreement began during training on Wednesday and carried into Thursday’s session. The report said the injury was accidental and not caused by a punch.
Naijaonpoint reports that the flare-up comes as tensions grow at Madrid, who trail Barcelona by 11 points and face the prospect of a second straight season without a major trophy.
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