Real Madrid Includes Valverde In Villarreal Squad After Ankle Recovery

Real Madrid included Fede Valverde in its squad for the Villarreal match after the midfielder recovered from a grade 3 left ankle sprain suffered against Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan trained without problems before the match and returned to availability for Jose Mourinho after 17 days out.

According to Marca, Valverde completed the final training session and was considered ready for selection after missing time since the derby defeat. The injury occurred during the September 20 match at the Metropolitano, where Real Madrid lost 2-1.

Real Madrid initially described Valverde's condition as a severe left ankle trauma, before updating the diagnosis two days later after further tests. The club said he had "a severe trauma to the left ankle" in its first medical statement.

The club later confirmed the final diagnosis as "a grade 3 sprain in the left ankle" and stated that Valverde was "pending evolution" in its medical update, according to Marca.

Valverde's recovery included physical testing and field work during the international break. Marca reported that he completed a stress test on the grass with teammates and later combined training on the pitch with gym sessions.

The midfielder continued individual work while Mourinho used a reduced first-team group and Real Madrid's reserve players for training matches. Valverde returned to ball work on October 7 before being included in the squad list.

Real Madrid also confirmed other squad updates ahead of Villarreal. According to Infobae, Dean Huijsen was unavailable because of suspension, while Raul Asencio, Mendy, Rodrygo and Militao remained out with injuries.

The club's squad announcement followed Mourinho's comments about Valverde's availability and came before a match at Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid entered the fixture fourth in LaLiga EA Sports, six points behind Barcelona, according to Hola News.

"I do not comment on the Bernabeu, I respect it. My hope is that the Bernabeu can be fair, and for me being fair is also being intelligent, being able to read between the lines," said Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach.

Mourinho addressed the expectations surrounding the stadium before the Villarreal match. The coach also confirmed that Kylian Mbappe would start after returning from the international break.

"They cannot all play together," said Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach.

Mourinho explained his attacking options before the match and later highlighted Mbappe's availability for the starting lineup.

"He has not failed the team," said Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach.

Villarreal arrived after two consecutive league victories before the break and prepared for the Bernabeu match with some uncertainty over returning internationals and injured players, according to Hola News.

"Winning and making a statement is always good. We will try to make that happen. These types of scenarios force you to create very precise tactical plans, because otherwise mistakes are punished. Knowing the quality of the opponent, we have to focus on ourselves and lose the fear of what everyone talks about," said Inigo Perez, Villarreal coach.

Villarreal's squad situation included concerns over Tajon Buchanan's hamstring injury, while Juan Foyth and Santi Comesana were doubts after returning from injuries. The match was scheduled at Santiago Bernabeu at 21:00 CEST.