Valverde hospitalized after clash with Tchouameni ahead of El Clasico 2026

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde was rushed to hospital with a head injury after an altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni just days before El Clasico.

Hospital visit for Valverde Real Madrid's Federico Valverde was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury during an alleged dressing room altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. The incident occurred just three days before Real Madrid's crucial La Liga match against Barcelona. Reports confirmed that Valverde was knocked unconscious during the clash and required stitches for his injuries. The timing of the event has raised concerns ahead of Sunday's high-stakes fixture. ## Details of the altercation Tensions between Valverde and Tchouameni reportedly began during Wednesday's training session before escalating into a physical confrontation in the dressing room. The altercation allegedly took place after training at the club's Valdebebas training facility, where Tchouameni confronted Valverde. What started as a verbal argument reportedly turned physical. The incident prompted an emergency meeting on Thursday evening with club president Florentino Perez, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and captain Dani Carvajal. ## Club's response and investigation A club spokesperson stated that Real Madrid are evaluating how to address the incident. The club has since opened an investigation to determine the full details of what happened. Disciplinary measures against both players are being considered as part of the review process. Spanish media described the altercation internally as the most serious incident ever recorded at the Valdebebas training complex. ## Upcoming El Clasico stakes Real Madrid face Barcelona in El Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday, where any result other than a win would secure Barcelona the La Liga title with three games remaining. The incident between Valverde and Tchouameni adds to concerns about team unity ahead of this crucial match. Club officials have yet to finalize their response to the altercation as they focus on preparing for the high-pressure encounter. ## Additional dressing room tensions Reports of disagreements in the Real Madrid dressing room extended beyond the Valverde-Tchouameni altercation. Left-back Alvaro Carreras addressed recent insinuations about an altercation with a teammate, though he did not specify the player involved. Carreras posted on Instagram, stating, 'In recent days, certain insinuations and comments about me have emerged that do not correspond to reality.' ## Carreras' statement on team issues Carreras emphasized his commitment to the club and coaches, saying, 'My commitment to this club and to the coaches I have had has been complete from day one, and it will continue to be so.' He added, 'Since I returned, I have always worked with the utmost professionalism, respect and dedication.' Carreras also mentioned that the team relationship remains strong despite the minor incident. ## Fan reactions to Mbappe's absence Supporters showed their dissatisfaction with Kylian Mbappe this week after he spent recovery time in Sardinia with his girlfriend. The incident involving Mbappe, combined with the dressing room tensions, has fueled discussions about team morale ahead of Sunday's match. Club officials have yet to address Mbappe's absence or recovery status publicly.