Real Madrid Captain Federico Valverde Picks up Hamstring Injury

On Sunday evening, Real Madrid pulled off an unexpected victory in El Clasico with a 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou, following a brace from striker Kylian Mbappe. 

Not only was it an important, statement victory that narrows the gap to Barcelona to just three points, but it was a performance - at both ends of the pitch - that warranted that victory. It was without a doubt the best performance of Jose Mourinho's second spell in charge so far. 

We saw the team limit Barcelona - who are clearly the best offensive team in the world - to just two big chances. One of which came from a fortunate ricochet, and the other came from a set piece. So, precious little from open play. 

Then, at the other end, the team consistently looked dangerous, and if for more composed finishing, it could have been three or four on another day. Just simply an incredible night for everyone involved with the club. 

However, it was not absolutely perfect. In football, there always seems to be a caveat. Always seems to be a catch. Always something that puts even a slight dampener on things. 

Well, that is the case again here. Indeed so, as Spanish journalist Ben Fernandes Santos is reporting that captain Federico Valverde has discomfort in his right hamstring, and will undergo tests on Tuesday to discover the extent of any potential injury. 

Both the player and Mourinho admitted post game that he was playing through pain during the game on Sunday night, before eventually the gaffer decided enough was enough and introduced Denzel Dumfries to the action after 62 minutes of the game. Fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold meanwhile came on for the final 60 seconds of stoppage time.

Well, hopefully this is nothing too serious. Perhaps it wouldn't be the worst idea for the skipper to sit out the games away to Racing Club and AEK Athens that are coming up. The team should have enough to navigate these games even without Valverde. 

It would also give opportunities to Dumfries, and particularly Alexander-Arnold, to show what they can do and to try and prove to Mourinho that they are good enough to be starting games, but let's see. 

The fact that Valverde was willing to play through the pain last night shows just how committed he is to the club, and is prepared to do anything for the cause. Listen, fair play.