Real Madrid have been hit by a double injury blow to Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde and Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois in the aftermath of their disappointing 0-0 draw with La Liga minnows Rayo Vallecano over the weekend.
Los Blancos were left frustrated once again, unable to breach the solid defensive wall of Vallecano as they settled for a goalless draw, their second straight match without finding the net following Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
Whispers of a potential crisis have already begun to swirl around Madrid, and the atmosphere won’t have improved after injuries to two of Alonso’s most dependable players.
Valverde, who exited the game against Liverpool in visible discomfort, once again appeared to tweak his hamstring before being replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold in Vallecas.
Courtois, meanwhile, managed to complete the game but didn’t escape unscathed as the Belgian shot-stopper reportedly sustained a “slight strain” in his right thigh, according to AS. While the issue is believed to be minor, his return date remains uncertain.
However, both Valverde and Courtois have been included in their respective national team squads for this month’s international fixtures, despite their knocks and the travel demands that come with them.
Valverde’s Uruguay are set to play friendlies against World Cup co-hosts Mexico and the United States, while Courtois faces a potentially lengthy trip with Belgium should he feature in their World Cup qualifier away to Kazakhstan.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso will be hoping both players can return from international duty fully fit and ready to contribute ahead of a demanding run of fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
