Real Madrid receive major boost as key star cleared to face Racing Santander

Real Madrid receive major boost as key star cleared to face Racing Santander Real Madrid secured an important 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Sunday, but there was one concern after the game. Captain Fede Valverde seemed to struggle with a physical problem throughout the game, and there were concerns about the extent of the injury. Given the Uruguayan’s importance to Jose Mourinho’s tactical plans, everyone hoped that Valverde had not suffered a serious injury. Now, according to journalist Abraham P. Romero , Valverde has undergone further medical examinations, which have confirmed that he has not suffered an injury. The Madrid captain is completely fine and should be available for Sunday’s La Liga encounter against Racing Santander. Valverde’s injury scare proves to be a false alarm Valverde experienced discomfort in the back of his right thigh during the first half of the Clasico after making a sliding challenge. Despite the problem, the 28-year-old continued playing until the 62nd minute, when he was replaced by Denzel Dumfries. Fede Valverde struggled through the game against Barcelona. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) Mourinho subsequently revealed that his captain had laboured on for more than 40 minutes despite the discomfort. The initial prognosis suggested that there was nothing serious , but further tests were required to establish whether he had any muscle damage. An MRI conducted on Wednesday has now confirmed that the South American had escaped injury, meaning Mourinho will have him available for the trip to El Sardinero. Mourinho receives important boost ahead of demanding schedule Valverde has become an essential part of Madrid’s improved defensive structure. Mourinho’s decision to deploy him at right-back has helped improve the team’s balance. This has, in turn, allowed Mourinho to deploy either Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler as a creative deep-lying midfielder. Meanwhile, the Uruguay international’s physicality and engine allow him to bomb up and down the right flank as a right-back. Fede’s move to right back could help Madrid play Bernardo in midfield. (Picture credit: Real Madrid website) However, his workload remains a consideration. Valverde has played 1,071 minutes this season, featuring in approximately 92% of Madrid’s available playing time. With consecutive away matches against Racing Santander, AEK Athens and Valencia approaching, Mourinho must decide how carefully to manage his captain’s minutes. Although Valverde is available for the game this weekend, Mourinho might be better off giving his captain a rest and some valuable minutes to Dumfries or Trent Alexander-Arnold. While news that Valverde has not suffered anything serious is good to hear, Madrid should still manage him carefully, and it remains to be seen whether he plays this weekend.