Atletico Madrid mock Valverde's quick return: 'We want to congratulate Real Madrid'

Three weeks after the derby at the Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid have reignited the controversy surrounding Fede Valverde's injury. The Rojiblancos posted a clearly sarcastic message on social media to mark the Uruguayan midfielder's return to a Real Madrid squad list, only 17 days after the club announced a grade 3 ankle sprain.

"We want to congratulate Real Madrid for continuing to make history by proving that 100% of the world's medical community was wrong".

The post reopens a wound that never fully closed. Kang-in Lee's challenge on Valverde, along with a stamp from Cuti Romero on Bellingham, fuelled Real Madrid's complaints about the refereeing of a match that ended in a 2-1 home win for Atletico.

Key points behind Valverde's return and Atletico's reaction

• Valverde returns to a Real Madrid squad 17 days after the medical report.
• Atletico post an ironic tweet about the grade 3 sprain diagnosis.
• The injury came from a Kang-in Lee challenge in the September 20 derby.
• Real Madrid called for a straight red card for the South Korean.
• Valverde finished the match despite the knock and later had severe swelling.

How Valverde picked up the injury in the Madrid derby

On September 20 at the Metropolitano, Fede Valverde was caught by a heavy challenge from Kang-in Lee in the first half. The impact damaged the Real Madrid captain's left ankle, but the Uruguayan stayed on the pitch until the final whistle. It was after the game that the swelling became obvious and alarm bells started ringing in the Madrid dressing room.

Real Madrid released an initial statement after the derby describing a severe trauma to the left ankle. Two days later, on September 22, the club confirmed the final diagnosis: a grade 3 sprain in the left ankle, with his recovery to be monitored. That type of injury usually requires a much longer absence than the one the midfielder has ended up having.

Atletico's dig: from the injury to the 'Valverde miracle'

With Valverde already named in the squad for the match against Villarreal, Atletico have not wasted the chance to be ironic about his swift recovery. The message suggests the Uruguayan's return contradicts the usual medical outlook for an injury of that severity, adding another twist to a rivalry that never fades.

The Rojiblancos had been watching the midfielder's progress closely. Real Madrid kept his recovery under wraps during the international break, and only on Friday ended the speculation by publishing the squad list for the home game against Villarreal. Valverde completed the final training session without discomfort, and Mourinho's coaching staff decided to include him.

Real Madrid's medical report and the return after 17 days

The timeline has raised more than a few eyebrows. First came talk of a severe trauma, then a grade 3 sprain, and now Valverde is back without going through a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Atletico feel the diagnosis was used to pile pressure on the refereeing debate after a derby full of controversial decisions.

Real Madrid demanded a red card for Kang-in Lee at the time. The South Korean was only booked, and the controversy dragged on for days. Valverde's early return now gives Atletico the chance to fire another shot in a battle that keeps being fought off the pitch.

What is at stake for Real Madrid against Villarreal

Valverde's return comes at an important moment for Real Madrid, who resume LaLiga after the international break. The captain brings energy, attacking runs and leadership to the midfield, and his presence against Villarreal strengthens a side that needs to keep pace at the top of the table.

Atletico, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on every move made by their eternal rivals. The derby left sporting wounds and refereeing disputes that neither side has been willing to put to bed. Friday's message is one more sign that the fight between the two clubs goes well beyond 90 minutes.