Madrid, 22 September, 2026 (Nosheen): Real Madrid have suffered an injury setback ahead of their upcoming clash against Roma, with captain and Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury in the weekend derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. The club confirmed that medical tests revealed a grade-three sprain in Valverde’s left ankle. The midfielder was injured following a tackle by Atletico’s Lee Kang-in, which Real Madrid claimed should have resulted in a red card. Spanish media reports suggested that Valverde could be sidelined for several weeks, although Real Madrid said he is expected to rejoin the squad in around two weeks and could return for the match against Villarreal after the FIFA international break. He will miss Uruguay’s upcoming friendly matches against Japan, South Korea and India and will remain at the club’s Valdebebas training complex to recover. Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho also highlighted the tackle after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico, presenting screenshots of incidents he believed warranted red cards for Atletico players.