Real Madrid are continuing to deal with major tension behind the scenes ahead of their decisive clash against Barcelona this weekend.
The club has been under heavy pressure following a disappointing season that saw them eliminated from the Champions League and fall behind in the La Liga title race.
Reports from Spain earlier this week revealed that frustrations inside the dressing room had exploded during training at Valdebebas.
The situation quickly became one of the biggest stories in Spanish football after Real Madrid officially confirmed disciplinary proceedings had been opened against two senior midfielders.
One of the players involved has now spoken publicly for the first time following the incident.
Federico Valverde released a lengthy statement after his altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni during training.
Valverde admitted he required hospital treatment after suffering a cut during the incident, but denied that Tchouameni physically attacked him. He said:
“Yesterday I had an incident with a teammate during a training session. The fatigue from competition and the frustration made everything seem blown out of proportion.
“In a normal locker room, these things can happen and are usually resolved internally without it becoming all public.”
Valverde also admitted the squad’s frustrations over the season contributed to the argument. He added:
“We’ve wasted another year, and I wasn’t in a position to be posting on social media when the only face I had to show was on the field.”
The midfielder also apologised for the situation and admitted he was deeply hurt by the fallout.
Real Madrid later confirmed Valverde had suffered a cranioencephalic trauma following medical examinations.
The club stated that the midfielder will need between 10 and 14 days of rest, meaning he will miss the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.
Meanwhile, disciplinary proceedings against both players remain ongoing as Real Madrid attempt to calm growing tensions inside the dressing room.
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