Real reason behind Valverde and Tchouameni fight emerges as worrying update given

Real Madrid appear to be in crisis just days before they face Barcelona in El Clasico, as Federico Valverde reportedly had to be taken to hospital after a fight with Aurelien Tchouameni.

It has been a difficult week for Los Blancos, as several reports have come out of the club suggesting serious tension within the dressing room.

Earlier in the week a bombshell report claimed that six players are refusing to speak to Alvaro Arbeloa, which is terrible preparation for their clash with Barca, in which a defeat would see their Spanish rivals lift the La Liga title.

Meanwhile, there was also an altercation between Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Carreras, in which the Spanish defender released a statement about the incident.

Read more: Real Madrid star issues statement after alleged incident with team-mate

This clash would be nothing in comparison to the one between Valverde and Tchouameni, which would see the Uruguayan hospitalised. According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, the altercation took place in the locker room and ended with the 27-year-old slipping and falling to the floor before hitting his head on a table, leading to a serious cut.

It has been claimed that the injury was not caused directly by Tchouameni.

Now, ESPN has reported what led to this fight between the French international and Valverde.

Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni

The outlet said: “A source has told ESPN that the fight broke out at the end of training, following a practice match with some heavy challenges. Tchouaméni went to the changing room, and Valverde then entered, looking very tense. That's where they got into a fight, the source said.

“A second source told ESPN that Valverde kicked Tchouaméni during training, then they insulted each other, and Tchouaméni went for Valverde.

“The tension between them started when Xabi Alonso was still at the club," the source added.

SPORTbible have contacted Real Madrid CF for comment.

It has been a frustrating season for Real Madrid as they look set to finish without any silverware as Barcelona appear to be marching towards consecutive La Liga titles; they were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich, and they suffered an embarrassing defeat to Segunda Division side Albacete Balompie in the Copa del Rey at the Round of 16.

While it was obvious that Madrid needed a permanent manager to replace interim boss Arbeloa after he stepped in to take the helm following the sacking of Xabi Alonso in January, it now appears whoever takes over this job will have quite the task on his hands following all these reports of the tension in the squad.