In quite remarkable news coming out of the Spanish capital this week, Real Madrid star Federico Valverde was taken to hospital following a fight with midfield partner Aurelien Tchouameni.
With the club out of the Champions League and 11 points behind Barcelona with four La Liga games to play, tensions have been growing within the club. Manager Alvaro Arbeloa appears to have lost control over the squad, and things have reached a boiling point this week.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that Valverde and Tchouameni were involved in a 'heated argument' and 'nearly came to blows' during training. They are said to have squared up to each other and shoved one another in 'one of the most heated exchanges ever seen at Valdebebas', the club's training ground.
Things went a step further the next day, and Madrid are already considering serious repercussions for the pair.
Federico Valverde 'Lost Consciousness' After Clash With Aurelien Tchouameni
Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde
While things threatened to kick off earlier in the week, it appears as though Valverde and Tchouameni could not hold back their anger on Thursday. As reported by RMC Sport, the Uruguayan midfielder refused to shake his teammate's hand and then later tripped the Frenchman in a training session.
Arbeloa attempted to defuse the situation by placing the two men on the same team. This didn't help things as they continued to bicker. Later, in the locker room, a fight broke out between the pair.
A scuffle ensued with other players trying to separate the two men. It's then claimed that 'Valverde fell, cut his head, and lost consciousness for a few seconds'. He was then taken to the hospital. It's added that Arbeloa went with him.
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Big Punishment Expected For Valverde and Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni
According to reports in Spain, the club is now holding an emergency meeting to consider taking action against the players. It's said that Real Madrid fully intend to impose sanctions on both men as part of a disciplinary procedure.
Adding to this, Cadena SER claims that the club have made it clear to both players that they will receive a severe punishment, with a source stating:
"It will be the maximum possible penalty."
Disciplinary orders have been issued to both players, with the two incidents set to be addressed in an internal investigation.
Tensions are not likely to be helped by a perceived lack of faith in Arbeloa among the squad. Reports suggest that as many as six players no longer speak to the Spanish coach.
Defender Alvaro Carreras also had to share a statement this week, having clashed with fellow Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger. "In recent days, certain insinuations and comments about me have emerged that do not correspond to reality," he said.
Carreras concluded: "Regarding the incident with a teammate, it was an isolated matter without importance that has already been resolved. My relationship with the entire team is very good.”
This is all far from ideal preparation for their trip to Barcelona this weekend. If they drop points at the Camp Nou, their biggest rivals will be crowned La Liga champions.