Valverde hospitalized with head injury after alleged dressing room clash with Tchouameni before El Clasico

Federico Valverde was taken to hospital with a head injury after an alleged dressing room incident with Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, just three days before the team faces rivals Barcelona in a key title match.

Real Madrid issued a statement saying it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the pair following incidents during the first team's training session that morning. The club confirmed Valverde has been diagnosed with cranioencephalic trauma, a type of concussion.

"Valverde is at home in good condition and will have to remain at rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by the medical protocols for this diagnosis," the statement added.

Sources told BBC Sport that the Uruguayan midfielder was knocked unconscious in the altercation. ESPN reported that he needed stitches.

Tensions between the two players reportedly began during Wednesday's training session. Their argument continued into the dressing room but did not escalate further at that time.

Thursday's alleged altercation took place after training at the club's Valdebebas base. France international Tchouameni confronted Valverde, and a verbal argument turned physical.

The club called an emergency meeting Thursday evening with president Florentino Perez and his staff, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and captain Dani Carvajal.

Real Madrid added in its statement: "The club will provide updates on the resolutions of both proceedings once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed."

BBC Sport has contacted the club and the players' agents for comment.

Real Madrid faces Barcelona in El Clasico at the Nou Camp on Sunday. Anything short of a win would hand Barcelona a second straight La Liga title with three games remaining.

Spanish media report that several staff members have described the incident internally as the most serious ever at Valdebebas. Reports indicate the club has opened an investigation and could take disciplinary action against both players.