REAL MADRID
Real Madrid: Fede Valverde and Courtois pick up injuries in El Clásico
The Uruguayan suffered a minor sprain to the lateral ligament in his left knee and bruising to his upper body after contesting a ball with Piqué in El Clásico
Real Madrid returned from Barcelona with three players carrying injuries of varying severity. It's an untimely setback for Carlo Ancelotti who is preparing his players for the next game, against Osasuna on Wednesday. The worst-hit was Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan entered the game as a sub on 72 minute replacing Rodrygo, but ended up going off himself in stoppage time after injuring himself whilst contesting a high ball with Piqué. He landed awkwardly and suffered a slight sprain to the lateral ligament in his left knee and bruising to his ribs. That effectively rules him out for Wednesday's match and the following one, on Saturday against Elche. He is also doubtful for the Champions League Matchday 4 meeting with Shakhtar. Normally, the recovery time from such injuries is around one week to 10 days. He has played in all of Madrid's games so far this season.
Fede Valverde on international duty
Valverde has also been called up by Uruguay for the international games against Argentina (on 12 November, although he is suspended for that match) and Bolivia on 15 November.
Another player who required treatment after the Barça game was Thibaut Courtois. The keeper appeared to hurt his right knee while taking a goal kick. Tests have ruled out anything serious and he should be able to return to training on Tuesday. There was also positive news for Vinicius - one of the main figures in Sunday's Clásico, who was able to train as normal today. The Brazilian was taken off for Asensio on 87 minutes after suffering cramp but has since recovered and was able to work out with the rest of the squad.
There was more encouraging news for Ancelotti as Luka Jovic was seen training at the same pace as his team mates. The Serbian striker was unavailable for the Shakhtar game and yesterday's trip to Barcelona, after taking a knock in training last week. He could be in the list to face Osasuna.