Federico Valverde 'to be fit for Spanish Super Cup final after injury scare'

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde will reportedly be fit for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final despite suffering an injury scare in the semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The Uruguay international was withdrawn in the first half of extra-time against Atletico, having suffered a knock, and there had initially been fears over his involvement in the final of the competition.

However, according to Relevo, Valverde will be fit for the clash with either Barcelona or Osasuna this weekend.

Journalist Rodra also claims that Jude Bellingham will be available for selection despite the England international suffering with 'exhaustion' after the energy-zapping contest with Diego Simeone's side.

The two teams could not be separated at the end of the 90 minutes, with a 3-3 draw meaning that extra-time was needed in the competition's first semi-final, but Real Madrid scored twice in the additional 30 minutes to record a 5-3 victory and advance to Sunday's showpiece event.

© Reuters

"We have four days to recover from a terrible effort considering that the two teams had six hours of travel on Monday. The match has been back and forth, very competitive and fought... we have won because we have had more energy in the end," Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters on Wednesday.

"The team never gives up. It is the DNA of Real Madrid and a good learning for young people. We could lose today, but never give up.

"The team is very happy and we have to be calm because it has been a game with a lot of emotions. There are 90 minutes left to win the title and that's the goal.

"I have a lot of confidence in the squad because those who have entered from the bench also give confidence. The staff is very motivated and plugged in. This is the only way to win these types of games."

© Reuters

Ancelotti also praised the contribution of Dani Carvajal, with the defender scoring once and providing two assists during an impressive performance.

"He has played a very good game. He is a fantastic player, with a tremendous personality and a spectacular character. He has been the protagonist in the goals," said the manager.

"The second has been spectacular with him and [Ferland] Mendy. His presence is very important in the attack phase and gives us more options above."

Los Blancos have now been victorious in each of their last seven matches in all competitions, while they have only lost once during the 2023-24 campaign, which was a 3-1 defeat to Atletico in La Liga on September 24.