Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde set to miss TWELVE matches after punching Villarreal's Alex Baena

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde could miss up to TWELVE matches after attacking Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena following their La Liga clash earlier this month.

Valverde - who has been a mainstay in the Real Madrid side during the 2022/23 campaign - came to blows with Villarreal midfielder Baena following Madrid's 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.

It has been reported that the Uruguayan midfielder waited for the Villarreal man in the car park following the match, after it was alleged that Baena made derogatory remarks about Valverde's unborn child during their Copa Del Rey clash back in January.

It is reported that Baena told Valverde - whose partner suffered a miscarriage scare in 2019 - to "cry, because your child won't be born" after Madrid came from two goals down to secure their place in the next round of the cup competition.

It is believed that Baena made similar remarks during their La Liga meeting, with Valverde opting to take matters into his own hands, as he punched the Spain Under-21 midfielder as he attempted to get onto the team bus.

Valverde's partner posted an emotional thread to social media following the incident, one which looks set to land Valverde in hot water with La Liga.

Relevo are reporting that the Uruguayan midfielder is set to miss between four and 12 matches for his attack on Baena, but it is not believed that the punishment will be handed out imminently.

It is thought that a final decision on ban length will be made in around six weeks time, which would mean that Valverde would be available for selection in the Copa Del Rey Final, which is scheduled to take place on May 6th.

Real Madrid will look to book their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals later this week, as they take a 2-0 lead to Stamford Bridge ahead of their quarter-final second leg.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has launched a last-ditch attempt to rally his troops ahead of their season-defining clash, as he headed to the changing rooms to address the squad following their defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.