Real Madrid News
Real Madrid suffer huge blow as midfield mainstay dealing with fresh back problem
Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Federico Valverde is suffering from lumbosciatica, a lower back issue that can cause pain and discomfort along the spine and down the leg.
According to the club’s medical update, the Uruguayan midfielder will likely miss training for about a week. However, the final outcome of his condition remains open as he continues to be monitored.
“Following tests carried out today on Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with discomfort due to a knock in his lower back. His recovery will be monitored,” read the statement from the club.
The timing of this injury comes just as the club wraps up a difficult La Liga campaign. Despite ending the season in poor form, Real Madrid now shift focus to the upcoming Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso faces a tough start with injury-hit squad
With the Club World Cup set to begin on 14 June, new manager Xabi Alonso has limited time to prepare his squad.
Real Madrid will face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia on 18 June, but the squad’s current injury list is cause for concern.
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are both recovering from serious knee injuries involving ligament and tendon damage.
Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo are also out but are expected to resume training shortly. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz pulled out of training recently and the severity of his issue is still unknown.
Now, Valverde joins the list. He has arguably been the most used player in the squad this season, appearing in 59 of the club’s 62 matches.
Towards the end of the campaign, he was seen struggling through games with muscle issues, often playing while not fully fit due to the team’s injury crisis under Ancelotti.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, Valverde’s condition does not seem long-term. Barring any setbacks, the midfielder is expected to recover in time to feature in the Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
