An altercation with consequences that are still difficult to measure. A little over two weeks after the fight between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni which cost the Uruguayan a short stay in hospital and stitches, in addition to a very large fine for the two protagonists, it is today that the native of Montevideo returns to the group and the Santiago-Bernabéu at the Athletic reception (9 p.m.). Until then, the midfielder was treating his head injury, he who suffered from head trauma. He had to forfeit against Barça, Oviedo and Sevilla FC.
During his absence, Aurélien Tchouaméni was very present in the squad. The Frenchman took part in all three matches but he will in turn be absent this evening against Athletic due to a minor muscle strain. The two players will not play together again anytime soon and given the rumors concerning the Celeste international, we are even entitled to wonder if that will one day happen. The locker room executives chose the former Bordeaux player’s camp and if a departure were to occur, Real would go in that direction.
Whistles expected for Valverde
The future Real coach would undoubtedly like not to have to choose. The various revelations about Valverde’s behavior since the scuffle sow a feeling of unease towards him. Where Tchouameni was almost not booed during the first home match (against Oviedo) after the revelation of the affair, the Uruguayan risks having a much less warm welcome from the supporters, according to the Spanish media. It wouldn’t be a first for him this season either.
He had already been targeted last January but more in a collective context, even if he was one of the targeted players. The public did not appreciate the behavior of certain members of the locker room, guilty according to them of having had a role in the ousting of Xabi Alonso. Valverde, reluctant to play as a right side, was one of them. This evening, he should be a starter and even vice-captain to accompany the last of the legend Dani Carvajal. Will he be the official captain once the full-back leaves? Time will tell.
