[Official] Federico Valverde, whose ankle was twisted by Lee Kang-in's studs, ultimately diagnosed with a third-degree sprain... Seoul rematch also fizzles out "No wonder Mourinho is furious"

*This content was translated by AI.

Federico Valverde (28, Real Madrid), who was tackled by Lee Kang-in (25, Atletico Madrid), has ultimately been diagnosed with a third-degree ankle sprain. His participation in the upcoming match against South Korea is now officially canceled after failing to join the Uruguay national team.

Real Madrid announced on the 22nd (Korea time) via its official website medical report that Valverde was diagnosed with a third-degree left ankle sprain following a detailed MRI examination. The club expects recovery within two to three weeks, judging that the ligament is partially torn.

However, Spain's 'Mundo Deportivo' pointed out that "due to the nature of a third-degree sprain, joint stability has been severely damaged," projecting a long-term absence requiring six to eight weeks for ligament healing alone and three to six months for full strength recovery.

The incident causing the injury occurred on the 20th during the La Liga Round 7 Madrid derby held at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. In the first half, as Valverde advanced with the ball, he stepped on Lee Kang-in's studs from behind while attempting a tackle, causing his ankle to twist nearly 90 degrees.

Valverde immediately protested vigorously to referee Arias, claiming it was a direct red-card offense, but no card was shown and video assistant referee (VAR) did not intervene. Although Valverde played the full match, his condition worsened after the game with severe ankle swelling.

Jose Mourinho, the Real Madrid manager who opposed the decision, brought a printed image of the tackle to the post-match press conference, strongly criticizing the referee. Real Madrid also issued an official statement expressing dissatisfaction, stating "a clear refereeing error changed the flow of the match." As the controversy grew, the Spanish Referee Technical Committee (CTA) officially acknowledged the referee's mistake, asserting that Lee Kang-in should have been sent off.

Due to this injury, Valverde will remain with his club for treatment and recovery in the near term. Consequently, he will miss the friendly match between Uruguay under interim coach Roberto Moreno and South Korea scheduled for the 28th at Seoul World Cup Stadium, and the highly anticipated rematch between Lee Kang-in and Valverde will not take place.

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*This content was translated by AI.