Real : Bad news for Fede Valverde after the derby.

Bad news for Real Madrid. Fede Valverde suffered a left ankle injury during the 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan midfielder was hurt following a heavy challenge from Kang-In Lee and will now undergo further tests to determine the full extent of the injury.

Real Madrid could be without one of their most important players in the coming days. Fede Valverde finished the Madrid derby carrying an injury to his left ankle after being caught by a strong tackle late in the first half.

The incident occurred in the 42nd minute. As Valverde attempted to control the ball, Kang-In Lee came in with a forceful challenge and made heavy contact with the Uruguayan’s left ankle.

Despite being in pain, Valverde managed to continue playing. The midfielder remained on the pitch until the final whistle as Real Madrid eventually suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the Metropolitano.

After the match, however, Real Madrid’s medical staff decided to carry out tests to assess the condition of his ankle. The initial examinations confirmed an injury.

According to the club’s first medical diagnosis, Valverde is suffering from “severe trauma to the left ankle.”

Real Madrid have not yet provided a timeframe for his recovery. The midfielder will undergo further examinations in the coming hours to determine the exact extent of the damage and whether he will be forced to spend time on the sidelines.

Kang-In Lee’s tackle sparks controversy

Valverde’s injury has also reignited the controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions during the derby.

Despite the severity of the challenge in the 42nd minute, Kang-In Lee was not shown a card by referee Ortiz Arias. VAR also decided not to intervene or ask the referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

That decision has caused frustration within the Real Madrid camp, particularly now that Valverde’s injury has been confirmed.

Soy del Barcelona y me la pela. Como pollas esto no es roja de Kang-In Lee a Valverde en el Atlético – Real Madrid… Esto es de locos pic.twitter.com/OQh6Pv31pb

— GxdCabrxn (@GxdCabron) September 20, 2026

José Mourinho had already expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating after the final whistle. The Real Madrid coach felt that some of Atletico’s challenges deserved much harsher punishment.

Mourinho specifically highlighted Kang-In Lee’s tackle on Valverde as well as another challenge from Cuti Romero on Jude Bellingham. According to the Portuguese coach, both incidents could have resulted in red cards.

For Real Madrid, however, the immediate concern is now Valverde’s physical condition.

The upcoming international break could at least work in the Spanish club’s favour, giving the midfielder additional time to recover without missing too many club matches. Real Madrid are not scheduled to return to action until October 10 against Villarreal.

Everything will now depend on the results of Valverde’s additional medical examinations.

A lengthy absence would represent a major blow for José Mourinho and his squad. Valverde’s energy, versatility and work rate make him a crucial part of Real Madrid’s midfield, and losing him for several matches would leave the coaching staff with an important problem to solve.