Fede Valverde a Doubt for Real Madrid’s La Liga Trip to Racing Santander
Real Madrid may have to manage without one of their most versatile players when they face Racing Santander in the 11th round of La Liga on Sunday. Fede Valverde is a major doubt for the match after missing the team’s final training session, although medical tests have reportedly found no serious injury.
According to AS, the initial examinations did not reveal a concerning problem for the Uruguayan midfielder. His absence from training on Saturday has nevertheless raised questions about his availability, with the club yet to confirm whether he will travel with the squad to Santander.
Coach José Mourinho has already ruled out Valverde starting the game. The remaining uncertainty is whether the midfielder will be included on the trip at all. A final decision is expected in the hours before Real Madrid announce their squad list.
Rest may be the priority for Valverde
Valverde was the most prominent absentee from Saturday morning’s session and did not step onto the training pitch. While the lack of a serious injury is encouraging, Madrid may be reluctant to take unnecessary risks with a player who is important across several positions and competitions.
The signs currently point towards Valverde staying in Madrid rather than making the journey to Santander. If that happens, his absence would appear to be a precautionary measure, giving him time to recover and prepare for the club’s upcoming European fixture against AEK Athens.
That scheduling context could be significant. Real Madrid must balance the demands of the domestic campaign with a busy calendar, and even a minor physical concern can prompt a cautious approach. Resting a key player for one league match may help reduce the risk of turning a small issue into a longer layoff.
Mourinho confirms Valverde will not start
Mourinho addressed the situation during his pre-match press conference, making clear that Valverde would not be in the starting XI. “Tomorrow, Valverde will not be in the starting line-up,” the coach said.
His comments stop short of confirming that the midfielder will miss the match entirely. However, combined with Valverde’s absence from training and the possibility of resting him ahead of the AEK Athens game, they have strengthened expectations that he could be left out of the travelling party.
For Madrid, the distinction matters. Valverde’s energy, pressing and ability to cover ground make him valuable in midfield, while his pace and defensive work have also made him a useful option at right-back. His potential absence could therefore influence both the team’s formation and its approach to controlling the match.
Right-back options if Valverde is unavailable
Denzel Dumfries or Trent Alexander-Arnold are among the options expected to fill the right-back position against Racing Santander. The choice may depend on Mourinho’s preferred balance between defensive security and attacking support, as well as the condition and availability of the wider squad.
Alexander-Arnold can offer quality in possession and help create chances from deeper areas, while Dumfries brings physical strength and forward-running ability. Either selection would give Madrid a different profile on the right compared with Valverde, whose versatility allows him to adapt to the demands of the role.
Valverde’s absence could also create an opportunity for another midfielder to take on extra responsibility. Madrid’s ability to maintain intensity without him will be an important factor, particularly if Racing Santander look to press aggressively or exploit space during transitions.
Racing Santander face a Madrid side with selection questions
Racing Santander will be aware that Madrid may arrive without one of their most influential players, but Valverde’s status is only one part of the pre-match picture. The visitors still have considerable depth, and Mourinho’s side will be expected to compete strongly regardless of the final squad announcement.
For the home team, the challenge will be to make the most of any disruption while staying organised against Madrid’s attacking quality. A disciplined defensive shape and quick movement into open space could help Racing test a side that may be adjusting its lineup. At the same time, Madrid will look to establish control early and avoid allowing the occasion to become a contest of momentum.
Any football prediction for the game should therefore account for the uncertainty surrounding Valverde. His absence would not automatically change Madrid’s status as a strong contender, but it could affect the visitors’ balance, especially in midfield and on the right flank. The confirmed squad list and starting lineup will provide a clearer indication of Mourinho’s plans.
What to watch before kick-off
The key update is expected when Real Madrid release their squad list later in the day. If Valverde is included, he could still be available as a substitute, although Mourinho has confirmed he will not start. If he is omitted, the decision would underline the club’s preference for caution ahead of the AEK Athens fixture.
For now, the most reliable information is that tests have not identified a worrying injury and that Valverde will not begin Sunday’s match. Whether he travels to Santander remains unresolved. Madrid supporters will be watching for the final announcement, while Racing will prepare for the possibility of facing a reshuffled lineup.
With the league campaign continuing and European football also on the horizon, Madrid’s handling of Valverde’s workload may prove as important as the result itself. The midfielder’s availability for the coming fixtures will depend on how he responds over the next few days, making Sunday’s squad decision a significant piece of the club’s short-term planning.
