Valverde’s Physical Strain: A Concern for Real Madrid

Federico Valverde is currently facing significant physical strain. The latest injury announced by Real Madrid following the Vallecas match highlights that the Uruguayan’s exceptional physical capabilities are showing signs of wear. This new instance of muscular fatigue, which has resulted in a mild injury, serves as a warning regarding the tremendous workload the player has accumulated and his overexposure in recent seasons.

The alarm bells were sounded at Anfield, and the injury materialized in Vallecas. Fortunately, the international break has provided a crucial opportunity for the club to aid Valverde’s recovery and allow him to recharge for the upcoming series of matches. However, concerns are mounting regarding Valverde’s ability to continue keeping pace with the grueling schedule he has faced lately.

Valverde’s robust physique seems to be faltering after an intense three-year period during which he has participated in 190 of the 200 official matches played by Real Madrid. Since the start of the 2022-23 season on August 10, 2022, he has missed only 10 matches, participating in 95% of the club’s commitments. Over the course of just over three seasons (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, and the current 2025-26), he has accumulated appearances equivalent to what a player would typically achieve in four or even five full seasons.

Only a player with extraordinary physical attributes, like Valverde, could endure the match frequency observed. In the 2022-23 season, he played 56 of the 61 matches (92%), 54 of 55 in the 2023-24 season (98%), and 65 out of 68 (96%) last season, while currently he has featured in 15 of 16 matches (94%). This relentless schedule may soon take its toll, if it hasn’t already.

Valverde concluded the previous season on the edge, having experienced multiple incidents of muscular fatigue. In February, he had to take a week off due to issues with the hamstring in his left leg, missing three matches. During the Champions League knockout stage against Atlético, he was seen wearing a protective bandage, and he also pushed through tight conditions in clashes against Arsenal. A bout of lower back pain allowed him to recuperate briefly before participating in the Club World Cup, where he also played every match.

His robust physique and resistance to injuries over recent seasons have made him a key player for both Carlo Ancelotti and, more recently, Xabi Alonso. His versatility has positioned him as a go-to solution for various problems, particularly in the right-back position, which he has filled whenever necessary, a frequent occurrence in recent months. In fact, this season, Valverde has played the most minutes as a right-back, featuring in seven of the 16 matches, ahead of Carvajal (4), Trent (3), and Asensio (2). Last season, he reached 14 matches in that position, surpassed only by Lucas Vázquez. This positional shift complicates the management of his workload while also increasing physical demands due to the high intensity and constant effort required.

In the last four seasons, Valverde has frequently operated on the brink, yet he has only experienced five minor injuries resulting in brief absences. During the 2022-23 season, he missed seven days due to a thigh contusion. The 2023-24 season saw no injuries, while last season, he took a week off due to hamstring discomfort in his left leg and another few days in June due to back pain. This season, he faced a muscular overload during pre-season and the latest injury sustained after the Vallecas match is expected to sideline him for two weeks, although he is anticipated to be ready for Real Madrid’s return to competition against Elche.