Real Madrid are facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions after a training-ground altercation left midfield star Fede Valverde hospitalized and has put his participation in Sunday's El Clásico in serious doubt. The incident, which occurred during Thursday's session, has escalated tensions within the squad and forced the club to consider drastic disciplinary measures.
The trouble began when Valverde and fellow midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni clashed during training on Wednesday. What started as a heated exchange boiled over the following day, erupting into a physical fight in the dressing room. As teammates rushed to separate the pair, Valverde lost his balance and struck his head on a table, requiring stitches and a hospital visit. Although he returned to the training ground later that day, the damage—both physical and relational—had been done.
General Manager José Ángel Sánchez convened an emergency team meeting to address the fallout. According to reports from Sport, the squad requested Friday off to cool tensions and prevent further conflicts—a request that manager Álvaro Arbeloa denied as the team prepares for a crucial clash against Barcelona. This isn't the first sign of discord at Valdebebas; recent weeks have seen incidents involving Antonio Rüdiger and Álvaro Carreras, as well as Kylian Mbappé and a coaching staff member, suggesting a broader issue with team chemistry.
Now, Real Madrid's hierarchy is weighing serious consequences. Diario AS reports that the club is considering internal suspensions for both Valverde and Tchouaméni, and in a more extreme scenario, selling one of them this summer. With El Clásico looming, the immediate focus is on whether either player will be available for Sunday's showdown—a match that could define Madrid's season.
The timing couldn't be worse. Tchouaméni has been one of Madrid's standout performers this season, silencing rumors from last year that the club was open to selling him. The French international has two years left on his contract and has anchored the midfield with authority. Valverde, meanwhile, has three years remaining on his deal but has endured an inconsistent campaign. While he continues to excel on the right side of a four-man midfield, he has yet to fully deliver on his promise as a central playmaker.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: Real Madrid's dressing room is fractured, and the path to healing—or further upheaval—will be decided in the coming days. For fans watching the Clásico, the absence of either star would be a significant blow, but for the club's leadership, the bigger question is whether this rift can be mended before it derails their season entirely.