Atlético mock Real Madrid over Valverde's 'miracle' 19-day return

📰 Atlético Madrid used their official account to mock Federico Valverde's 'miracle recovery' after he returned to Real Madrid's squad 19 days after his injury. 📌 Key points 🐦 Atlético posted a sarcastic message of congratulations to Real on 9 October. 🩼 Valverde was diagnosed with a grade three sprain of his left ankle on 22 September. 📋 Real named him in their squad for Saturday's game against Villarreal that same day. ⚔️ The injury came from a Lee Kang-in challenge in the 20 September derby. 🤐 Real have not officially responded to the post. 📝 What happened 🐦 According to COPE, a few hours after Real announced their squad, Atlético wrote that they wanted to congratulate Real for "continuing to make history". The post went on to say Real had shown that "100% of the world's medical community was wrong", with the hashtags #RecuperaciónMilagrosa and #EsguinceGrado3. 🩼 Valverde was hurt in a first-half collision with Lee Kang-in in the derby at the Metropolitano on 20 September. He finished the game, but his ankle swelled afterwards. Two days later Real announced a grade three sprain, with his recovery "subject to ongoing evaluation". ⚔️ Real lost that derby 2-1 and insisted Lee's challenge deserved a straight red card, with the club's leadership also criticising the referees. GOAL Spain says the mockery has put Real in an awkward spot. 🏃 Valverde came through the final training session without problems. José Mourinho had said he would be a doubt until the last moment. 📊 By the numbers • Injury: 20 September derby (Real lost 2-1) • Diagnosis to squad return: 17 days • Injury to squad return: 19 days • Diagnosis: grade three left ankle sprain 🔭 Why it matters After a derby defeat and a refereeing row, the rivalry has now spread to medical bulletins. If Valverde plays a full part against Villarreal, Atlético's suspicions will only grow louder. Real host Villarreal on 10 October, then visit Roma on 14 October before the Clásico against Barcelona on 25 October.