Real Madrid said it would punish midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni after a collision at the club’s training ground on Thursday that left the former requiring hospital treatment.
«Following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team training, the club has decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni,» Los Blancos said in a statement.
Uruguay international Valverde was escorted to hospital near the club’s Valdebebas training complex by Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, according to Spanish reports, which said the player needed stitches to treat a facial wound.
Madrid said Valverde had suffered a head injury but was in “good condition” and needed to rest for up to 14 days.
The 27-year-old will miss Sunday’s Clasico match with La Liga rivals Barcelona, when the Catalans can claim the Spanish title.
Valverde tried to play down the seriousness of the altercation with Tchouameni.
“The tension of competition and frustration caused the situation to escalate,” he wrote on social media, expressing regret over media coverage of the incident.
“During the argument, I accidentally hit a table, causing a small cut on my forehead, requiring a routine visit to the hospital,” he said. “At no point did my teammate hit me, and I didn’t hit him either.”
According to reports, the two players rowed during training on Wednesday and their argument continued during and after the session on Thursday.
Spanish newspaper Markingwho first reported the story said Valverde’s cut was caused unintentionally and not directly by a punch from French midfielder Tchouameni.
Real Madrid and the two players’ agents made no comment when contacted by AFP about the incident.
Spanish media reported that Valverde refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand and later fouled him during Thursday’s training, with the pair leaving in the dressing room when the injury occurred.
Tensions are running high at Real Madrid as the club faces a second straight season without a major trophy.
Los Blancos are eleven points behind Barca at the top of La Liga, with Hansi Flick’s boys able to win back-to-back league titles this weekend if they don’t lose.
Published on May 8, 2026
