Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes have been thrown into turmoil after midfielder Federico Valverde was hospitalized following an alleged altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni—just days before the biggest match of their season.

The incident, which sources say left the Uruguayan international unconscious and requiring stitches, threatens to derail Real's preparations for Sunday's El Clasico showdown against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Anything less than a victory would hand their arch-rivals the league title with three games to spare.

Tensions reportedly began during Wednesday's training session, with a heated exchange that continued into the dressing room but was initially contained. However, the situation escalated dramatically on Thursday when Tchouameni allegedly confronted Valverde after training at Real's Valdebebas base, turning a verbal argument physical.

The severity of the incident prompted an emergency meeting Thursday evening, attended by club president Florentino Perez, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and captain Dani Carvajal. Spanish media reports describe the altercation as "the most serious ever experienced in Valdebebas," with the club now launching an investigation that could lead to disciplinary action against both players.

This latest dressing room drama comes amid reports of other internal conflicts at the Bernabeu. Earlier this week, left-back Alvaro Carreras was forced to publicly deny rumors of an altercation with German defender Antonio Rudiger, posting on Instagram that "certain insinuations and comments about me have emerged that do not correspond to reality."

For a club built on unity and discipline, these fractures couldn't come at a worse time. With Barcelona's title party invitations already printed, Real Madrid must somehow refocus amid what insiders are calling the most serious internal crisis in recent memory at the Valdebebas training complex.