‎‘I’m not 100% fit’: Valverde provides worrying fitness update

‎‎Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde has admitted that he is still struggling with muscle discomfort after sustaining an injury against Barcelona.

‎Valverde suffered a muscle strain during Madrid’s Clasico win against Barcelona at Camp Nou on October 25. The midfielder was forced off at the beginning of the second half.

‎This injury saw him miss the match against Racing Santander before remaining on the bench against AEK.

‎However, the Uruguayan returned to the starting XI against Valencia.

‎Valverde who arrived in Montevideo to join his national team ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Argentina and the Dominican Republic has now acknowledged that he is fully fit.

‎Speaking to Sport 890 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Valverde acknowledged his physical condition while explaining his enthusiasm about representing Uruguay.

Federico Valverde celebrates 0-1 during the LaLiga match between Valencia v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mestalla (Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)

‎“I’m still feeling a bit of discomfort and I’m not 100% fit, but you always have to come up for the national team – it’s always good to be here.

‎“I was really looking forward to coming and spending time with my teammates on a day-to-day basis,” said the Real Madrid captain.

‎Valverde also discussed his increasingly regular deployment at right-back, a position that has become an important part of Jose Mourinho’s tactical plans.

‎“I prepare myself to play wherever the manager wants me to play. At the moment I’m playing at full-back and I’m preparing to do well there and to be the best in my position,” he said.

He also explained that embracing different challenges is something he considers important for his development as a footballer.

‎“I like to challenge myself day in, day out, to seek out new challenges and goals, and this is one of them – I’m going to give it football

‎“Then, with the national team, if I’m called upon to play in another position, I’ll work as hard as I can,” explained Valverde.