Valverde (hamstring) will not start Sunday's La Liga clash against Racing Santander as coach Jose Mourinho continues to manage his recovery from a recent hamstring issue, suggesting the midfielder will return to a substitute role. "For example, Fede won't start tomorrow's match, and one of the others will play instead."
Analysis:Valverde appears set to be available off the bench after undergoing medical examinations that ruled out a significant hamstring injury earlier this week. The Uruguayan followed an individualized training program since Wednesday, with the coaching staff taking precautions to avoid aggravating the issue. Manager Mourinho has now confirmed that Valverde will not feature in the starting lineup, although his comments suggest he could still receive minutes during Sunday's encounter. The midfielder has regularly been deployed at right-back this season, making Denzel Dumfries or Trent Alexander-Arnold potential options to replace him in the starting XI. Valverde's workload could remain limited as Real Madrid look to ensure he returns to full fitness without suffering another setback.
