Real Madrid to Discipline Valverde and Tchouameni After Training Ground Incident
Spanish giants Real Madrid have confirmed they will take disciplinary action against midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni following a heated altercation during training that left Valverde requiring hospital treatment.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex, with the club later issuing an official statement announcing disciplinary proceedings against both players.
“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 statement read.
According to Spanish media reports, Valverde was taken to a nearby hospital accompanied by head coach Alvaro Arbeloa after suffering a facial injury that required stitches. The club confirmed the Uruguay international sustained a head wound but said he was in “good condition” and would need up to two weeks of rest.
The injury rules the 27-year-old out of Sunday’s crucial El Clasico showdown against rivals FC Barcelona, a match that could see Barcelona clinch the La Liga title.
Valverde later attempted to calm speculation surrounding the confrontation, insisting the situation had been exaggerated.
“The strain of the competition and frustration caused the situation to escalate,” Valverde wrote on social media.
“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.”
Reports in Spain claim tensions between the pair had already surfaced during Wednesday’s training session before carrying over into Thursday’s activities. Newspaper Marca reported that the injury was accidental and not caused directly by a punch from Tchouameni.
Other reports suggested the disagreement intensified after Valverde refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand before later fouling the French midfielder during training. The confrontation allegedly continued in the dressing room, where the injury occurred.
Neither Real Madrid nor representatives of the two players offered further comment on the matter.
The clash comes at a difficult moment for the Spanish club, with frustrations growing during a disappointing campaign. Real Madrid trail Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga, and Hansi Flick’s side could secure back-to-back league titles this weekend if they avoid defeat.
