Kylian Mbappé returned to training on Friday after recovering from a hamstring injury ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial El Clasico clash against FC Barcelona, while teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni also resumed training following a reported altercation with Federico Valverde. Top scorer Mbappe had been sidelined for two weeks, but Real Madrid said the France forward completed part of the group training session two days before Sunday’s trip to Barcelona.
Tchouameni also took part in training a day after his confrontation with Valverde reportedly left the Uruguayan midfielder requiring stitches.
The club confirmed disciplinary proceedings had been opened against both players following the incident, one of several recent internal disputes at the club.
Tensions have risen at Real Madrid amid the prospect of finishing a second straight season without a major trophy. Barcelona, who lead the Spanish league by 11 points, need only a draw in Sunday’s Clasico to secure the title.
Meanwhile Valverde, currently sidelined with injury, dismissed speculation surrounding the squad and accused some sections of the media of exaggerating events during a difficult campaign. “Clearly, someone here is spreading rumours, and with a season without titles, where Real Madrid is always under scrutiny, everything gets blown out of proportion,” he said.
According to reports first carried by BBC Sport, Valverde and Tchouameni were involved in a heated verbal disagreement during training on Wednesday, with the dispute escalating after the session.
BBC Sport reported that the altercation continued in the dressing room area, after which Valverde was taken to hospital with a head injury.
Valverde later denied reports of a physical fight, saying he suffered the injury after accidentally hitting a table during the confrontation.
In a statement released on Thursday, the midfielder said he sustained “a small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital” and rejected claims that either player struck the other.
CliqMetro understands that Valverde is expected to miss Sunday’s Clasico after suffering a concussion, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined for between 10 and 14 days.
Real Madrid said further updates on the disciplinary matter would be released after internal procedures are completed.