Real Madrid: Valverde taken to hospital after clash with Chuameni

Federico Valverde was taken to hospital with a head injury following an alleged incident in the dressing room with Real Madrid team-mate Aurelian Chuameni, just three days before they faced a crucial title clash with rivals Barcelona.

Real Madrid later said in a statement that it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against the pair “following the incident that occurred during first-team training this morning”.

The club also confirmed Valverde had been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, a type of concussion.

They added: “Valverde is in good condition at home and, in accordance with the medical protocols of the diagnosis, he must rest for 10 to 14 days.”

Uruguayan midfielder Ernesto Valverde was knocked unconscious during an altercation, sources told BBC Sport, while ESPN reported he required stitches.

Tensions between the two players reportedly began during Wednesday’s practice. Although their altercation reportedly continued into the dressing room, nothing further developed at the time.

It was widely reported that Thursday’s alleged altercation took place after a training session at the club’s Valdebebas base, when France international Chouameni was said to have clashed with Valverde, with the verbal altercation turning physical.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and his staff, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and club captain Dani Carvajal held an emergency meeting on Thursday evening.

Real Madrid’s statement added: “The club will provide an update on the resolution of both proceedings once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed.”

BBC Sport has contacted the club and player’s agents for comment.

Real Madrid will face Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday. Anything short of a win for Real Madrid would have given their rivals a second successive La Liga title with three games remaining.

Spanish media said several staff members internally described the incident as “the most serious incident in Valdebebas’ history.”