Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde has serious ankle injury

Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Federico Valverde suffered a serious injury to his left ankle in the 2-1 defeat by Atlético Madrid. He will miss two to three weeks.

The injury came from a challenge by an Atlético forward, who stood on the 28-year-old's ankle late in the first half of the matchday 7 game in La Liga. Valverde played on and was on the pitch for the final whistle.

The club statement: "Following tests carried out by Real Madrid's medical services, our player Fede Valverde has been diagnosed with a serious injury to his left ankle, sustained in today's match. Valverde will undergo further examinations in the coming hours."

Lee joined Atlético in August and has scored twice for them. A football website reported that he caught Valverde with his studs. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, by all accounts, was unhappy with the refereeing after the game.

Real are fourth with 15 points.