Real Madridvs.Atletico

The Uruguay international has missed Real Madrid's last two matches due to a muscular fatigue issue, but there was not believed to be any serious concern surrounding his availability against Atletico.

That is no longer the case, as according to AS, Valverde was unable to train with his teammates on Sunday.

"Valverde has trained individually inside and on the pitch. Tomorrow it will be decided if he can train with the group," the report quotes the club as saying, with a final decision set to be made on Monday.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is now allegedly seriously concerned that he may be without one of his most inspirational players for what is shaping up to be a fascinating last-16 first leg against Atletico.

Real Madrid star Valverde 'a major doubt' for clash with Atletico

Valverde has again been a vital player for Real Madrid this season, making 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering six assists in the process.

The absence of the 26-year-old would be even more damaging considering that Jude Bellingham is suspended for Tuesday's game against Atletico, while Dani Ceballos will be missing through injury.

Aurelien Tchouameni is a certainty to start in midfield even if Valverde makes it, but if the latter does miss out, then Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric would be in contention for positions in the XI.

Brahim Diaz scored as a starter against Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, with the Morocco international operating in a deeper area, but it would be a risk to play him in a midfield three against Atletico considering the strength of the opposition.

Are there any concerns over Mbappe?

Kylian Mbappe missed last week's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad due a dental issue, and he looked out of sorts against Real Betis on Saturday, eventually being replaced in the 75th minute of the contest.

However, Ancelotti has insisted that the France international will be fit against Atletico, having had longer to recover from the dental issue which forced him to miss training sessions.

"He had a tooth problem, he hadn't trained much and he wasn't at his best. It was obvious. So to avoid problems I preferred to take him off and put Endrick in. Mbappe hadn't trained much and he wasn't at 100%," said Ancelotti.

Mbappe has been in excellent form for Real Madrid of late, and the attacker is currently on 27 goals and four assists in 39 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Los Blancos.

Written by

Matt Law