The air in Madrid felt lighter on Tuesday morning [August 12] when Federico Valverde stepped out of the Valdebebas Sports City and gave a word of reassurance for the supporters who had been waiting to see him.
The 27-year-old midfielder will not travel with Real Madrid to Austria for their only preseason friendly at the Tivoli Stadion Tirol, a decision taken after he experienced muscle overload during training in the days leading up to the match.
Xabi Alonso reportedly has opted to keep him in the Spanish capital, believing it is better to protect one of his most important players before the season begins.
Valverde’s absence has sparked concern among fans who know how crucial he is in the heart of Madrid’s midfield especially with the La Liga opener against Osasuna [August 19] just days away.
However, that concern began to fade when the Uruguay international stopped to sign shirts and pose for photos with supporters before heading home.
Journalist Marcos De la Rocha seized the chance to ask the question that everyone had been thinking about, and Valverde did not hesitate to answer.
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“Playing against Osasuna? Yes, definitely,” he told El Chiringuito de Jugones [via Defensa Central], offering the clearest signal yet that this week’s rest is about caution rather than crisis.
According to the Spanish outlet, the midfielder will continue with individual training sessions under the guidance of Madrid’s medical and fitness staff, aiming to join the main group on Thursday or Friday.
Federico Valverde speaks on new Real Madrid responsibility
Valverde is entering the 2025–26 campaign with a new responsibility; the Montevideo-born midfielder, now a fixture in Madrid’s engine room will wear the captain’s armband this season.
“I’m proud to wear this shirt again and to be one of the captains,” he told Realmadrid TV.
“It’s a dream that every kid has when they love football and start playing the game. Today, I’m wearing it, and I’m enjoying it with my family.
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I’m one of the captains of this club, but the important thing is to enjoy every moment as if it were the last one.”
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