Tusport - News - Valverde hospitalized after reported clash at Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s build-up to Sunday’s El Clásico has been overshadowed by mounting internal tension, with multiple reports alleging a series of confrontations at the club’s Valdebebas training ground. According to The Athletic, friction has escalated in recent weeks as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side sit 11 points behind Spain LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona ahead of their high-profile meeting. The outlet details several flashpoints, including a heated dressing-room argument in April involving ex-Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rüdiger, which sources say was instigated by the veteran defender. In a separate incident, Kylian Mbappé reportedly clashed with a member of the coaching staff during a training exercise before the trip to face Real Betis on April 24, reacting angrily to an offside call made by a staffer acting as an assistant referee on the touchline. The most serious allegation emerged via Spanish daily Marca, which reports that a confrontation between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde ended with Valverde being taken to hospital. Several players quoted by the outlet described it as “the most serious [incident] ever experienced in Valdebebas,” suggesting a dressing room under acute strain. Analyst Barlow characterized the situation as symptomatic of a “volcanic” atmosphere, adding that as many as six first-team players are not currently speaking to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The list reportedly includes Dani Ceballos, Raúl Asencio and Dani Carvajal, with the latter’s frustration said to have led to an injury to a youth player after an overzealous challenge. In the past week alone, further reports have surfaced of Mbappé’s anger at a staff member and Rüdiger becoming physical with Álvaro Carreras. While the full context of each incident remains disputed, the volume and tenor of the accounts point to a period of intense discord at a critical point in the season. Real Madrid have not issued an immediate official comment on the reported altercations, and the extent of Valverde’s condition has not been confirmed at the time of writing. Internally, the club will likely review training protocols and address disciplinary matters as needed. Externally, the spotlight now turns to performance and response: a positive result in El Clásico against FC Barcelona could steady the narrative; a setback might amplify pressure and questions over leadership, player relations and short-term objectives. With the LaLiga title picture still mathematically open but tilting heavily toward Barcelona, Madrid’s ability to compartmentalize off-field turbulence could define their run-in. Supporters and neutral observers alike will await clarity on Valverde’s status and any official statements regarding the alleged clashes, even as focus shifts to one of world football’s most intense fixtures.