Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde was treated in the hospital after fighting with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni following a training session on Thursday, according to multiple Spanish media sites.
According to sources, Uruguay international Valverde, who was brought to the hospital near the club’s Valdebebas training base by Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, required stitches to repair a facial wound.
The two players argued in training on Wednesday and continued on Thursday throughout and after the practice.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Valverde’s cut was caused accidentally, rather than directly, by a hit from France player Tchouameni.
When AFP contacted Real Madrid and the two players’ agents about the incident, they declined to comment.
According to Spanish media, Valverde refused to shake Tchouameni’s hand and then fouled him during Thursday’s training session, with the two wrestling in the dressing room following the injury.
Tensions are high at Real Madrid, as the team prepares to go without a major prize for the second straight season.
Los Blancos will face rivals Barcelona in a La Liga Clasico on Sunday, with the Catalans, who lead by 11 points, able to win back-to-back league titles if they do not lose.
