Real Madrid in crisis: Valverde in hospital after physical altercation with Tchouaméni, Mbappé faces fan criticism

Real Madrid's French forward Kylian Mbappé suffered a left thigh muscle injury in Friday's 32nd round La Liga match against Betis Sevilla. The player asked to be substituted before the end of the match, and it was subsequently confirmed that he has problems two months before the 2026 World Cup. However, the club's management did not provide precise information about the length of his absence. Mbappé's participation in the upcoming El Clásico at Barcelona's stadium is therefore significantly complicated. SITA ↗

The situation at the club has worsened even further. The club's management is grappling with internal conflicts within the team. Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde ended up in hospital after a physical altercation with French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni during training. The conflict escalated – the first skirmish between the players occurred the day before, but on Tuesday the situation dramatically worsened and the injured Valverde had to seek medical help. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against both players. Press reports describe this incident as "the most serious case that has ever happened at Valdebebas," the club's training ground. Spiegel.de ↗

The problems are also spreading off the pitch. Mbappé is facing a wave of criticism from Real fans, who spotted him on vacation in Sardinia for several days before El Clásico. People close to the player explain that his recovery is under strict club supervision and that the criticism is based on an excessive interpretation of the situation. Nevertheless, a fan petition calling for his departure from the club has collected millions of signatures. The club's management, however, insists that his treatment period is "strictly controlled." idnes.cz ↗

Mbappé's injury adds another concern to the "white ballet's" squad. Defensive pillar Eder Militao will undergo surgery in Finland and will not return to play for five months, meaning he will also miss the 2026 World Cup this summer. Another major loss is experienced right-back Dani Carvajal, who broke a toe and will miss at least two league matches, including El Clásico itself. The thirty-four-year-old Carvajal might not return until the season's final match against Athletic Bilbao. teraz.sk ↗

These absences in the lineup significantly weaken Real Madrid's ambitions in the closing stretch of the season. At the same time, the club's management is preparing for a possible change on the coaching bench. Renowned journalists report that José Mourinho is president Florentino Pérez's favorite for the coaching position from the new season. El Pais ↗

Meanwhile, the first finalist of the Champions League has been determined. Arsenal defeated Atlético Madrid in the semifinal second leg, with Arsenal having not lost a single match in this season's Champions League. Before the second leg, Atlético Madrid filed a complaint with UEFA, with coach Diego Simeone explaining that the hotel change was ta3.com ↗