Fede Valverde arrived in Montevideo on 10 November to join Diego Forlan's Uruguay squad while carrying muscular discomfort. The Real Madrid captain admitted he is not fully fit before matches against Argentina and the Dominican Republic.
Valverde admits ongoing discomfort
Valverde has been playing in pain since suffering a muscle strain during the Barcelona match at Camp Nou on 25 October, an injury that forced him off at the start of the second half. He also confessed to playing Real Madrid's previous two matches through discomfort.
Valverde had missed the previous international break through injury. He was rested against Racing Santander, came on as a substitute against AEK Athens, and then returned to the starting line-up against Valencia despite not being fully ready.
Speaking to Sport 890, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Valverde said: "I still feel some discomfort and I'm not fully fit, but I have to join the national team, and it's always wonderful to be here. I was eagerly looking forward to coming back and playing with my team-mates every day."
Real Madrid face international-break concerns
Real Madrid had hoped the international break might pass without a single new injury among their 18 internationals. Jose Mourinho had voiced his concern after the win at the Mestalla, warning that several of his players were suffering from "severe fatigue".
Valverde became the first Real Madrid player to put Mourinho's fear about player fatigue into words. He is Real Madrid's captain.
Right-back role continues
Valverde has returned to playing at right-back, a role he had filled occasionally in previous seasons and one that now appears to have become his primary position under Jose Mourinho.
Valverde said: "I prepare to play in any position the manager asks for. Currently I'm playing at right-back and I'm preparing to put in a good performance there and to be the best in my position."
Valverde discusses his Uruguay role
Valverde said: "I like to challenge myself every day, and to look for new challenges and goals, and this is one of them, and I'll give it my all, and if I have to play in another position with the national team, I'll work as hard as I can."
