Real Madrid’s chances of winning the league title are virtually nil, and morale is said to have hit rock bottom. This is due to two constant bickering partners—and also to Kylian Mbappé.
Rumors suggest sparks were already flying during Madrid’s training session yesterday, Wednesday. According to reports, Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni got into a heated argument; a foul during training was followed by shoving and further altercations that continued into the locker room. Marca reported on an “extremely unpleasant incident”—and followed up on Thursday with reports of another scuffle between the two.
This time, however, what unfolded at the Madrid training center is said to have been not just unpleasant, but “very serious.” According to the report, several teammates had to step in to break it up, and Valverde even had to be taken to the hospital, as the Madrid sports newspaper further reported. However, this was not caused by a punch, but rather by an accident in which the Uruguayan sustained a laceration.
Valverde “must rest for ten to 14 days”
That evening, Real confirmed in a brief club statement that Valverde had been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. The player is “at home and in good condition. He must rest for ten to 14 days in accordance with medical protocols for this diagnosis,” the statement said. This means Valverde will definitely miss the Clásico.
A crisis meeting was also held in the locker room, and the club has already initiated disciplinary proceedings against the two players. “The club will provide an update on the outcome of both proceedings as soon as the relevant internal processes have been completed,” the club said in a further statement.
There were reportedly already tensions on the training ground back in February, at that time between Antonio Rüdiger and Alvaro Carreras. “Regarding the incident with a teammate, it was a one-time occurrence of no significance that has already been resolved,” Carreras wrote on Instagram in the meantime. “My relationship with the entire team is very good.”
And all of this in the run-up to a Clásico that is likely to seal yet another season without a title. Last season, too, it was dusting off trophies rather than making room for new ones in the royal trophy cabinet. FC Barcelona needs just one point on Sunday evening (9 p.m.) to clinch the championship. Will Real be mere extras at Camp Nou for the old and new title holders? The Royal heart could hardly bear much more humiliation.
Mbappé prefers Sardinia to Valdebebas
All the more reason for fans in Madrid to be furious about Kylian Mbappé’s behavior. Just over two weeks ago, he suffered a muscle injury in the match against Real Betis (1-1), and the Frenchman was absent for the game against Espanyol Barcelona (2-0). It was just unfortunate that, in the meantime, photos of Mbappé and his girlfriend Ester Exposito on the Italian island of Sardinia surfaced, which did not give the impression that the 27-year-old was fully focused on his recovery. Public outrage was so intense that an online campaign titled “Mbappé Out” was launched—41 goals this season or not.
Not for the first time this season, Álvaro Arbeloa found himself compelled to explain the behavior of one of his players. “The entire plan for the injured players is monitored and managed by Real Madrid’s medical staff. They determine when they need to come to Valdebebas and when they don’t,” said the Real coach. “And in between, every player does what he thinks is right in his free time. I can’t interfere with that.” The club also felt compelled to issue an official statement.
Nothing more than a substitute appearance is on the cards
Mbappé, who has already missed six league games this season due to injuries, will at least not be sidelined any longer. An MRI scan revealed that nothing is broken, but rather that there is simply a strain in the thigh muscles. On Thursday, he participated in parts of the team training session but then switched to individual training. The most likely scenario: He’ll be fit enough for the squad, but not for the starting lineup.
But even a healthy Mbappé won’t be able to save the season; the internal dynamics at Real Madrid are too disrupted. “There is currently an atmosphere of extreme tension at Real Madrid, marked by nervousness, internal division, and a growing sense that the situation is far from calming down,” reported Marca. Mundo Deportivo summed it up succinctly: “Real is in the midst of a raging fire.”
