Federico Valverde was hospitalized with a head injury after a second altercation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni in two days at the club's training ground.
6:21 PM
Real Madrid opened disciplinary proceedings against Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni on Thursday following a physical altercation in the dressing room at the club's Valdebebas training ground.
The incident occurred during the morning training session. According to Spanish media reports, Tchouaméni approached Valverde and the two engaged in a forceful confrontation that escalated into a physical fight. Multiple players intervened to separate them.
Valverde sustained a head injury during the clash and was taken to Hospital Blua Sanitas Valdebebas for treatment. Medical staff administered stitches to a cut on his head. The club later confirmed he had been diagnosed with cranioencephalic trauma, a type of concussion. In a statement, Real Madrid said Valverde "is at home in good condition and will have to remain at rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by the medical protocols for this diagnosis."
The confrontation marked the second clash between the players in as many days. On Wednesday, Valverde and Tchouaméni had engaged in a heated argument during training that included pushing and shoving but did not escalate to physical blows. That dispute also extended into the dressing room.
In its official statement, Real Madrid said: "Real Madrid C.F. announces that, following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team's training session, it has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The club will announce the outcomes of both cases in due course, once the respective internal procedures have been concluded."
The timing of the incident comes three days before Real Madrid faces Barcelona in a crucial LaLiga match on Sunday at Camp Nou. Barcelona holds a commanding position in the title race and could clinch the championship in that fixture.
The altercation is the latest in a series of internal tensions at the club. Real Madrid has already been eliminated from the Champions League in the quarterfinals and faces the prospect of ending the season without a major trophy. Additional friction has been reported involving forward Kylian Mbappé and other squad members.
An emergency meeting was held among club officials following the incident. Spanish media reported that dismissal of the players has not been ruled out as a potential disciplinary outcome, though the club has not specified what sanctions may be imposed pending the completion of its internal investigation.
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