By Martin Graham
Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Dani Carvajal has sustained a knee injury, just a day after featuring in the club’s 2–1 triumph over Barcelona in El Clásico. The defender, who had only recently returned from a calf problem, experienced discomfort during the match and was forced to undergo medical examinations on Monday.
Following the tests, the club issued a statement revealing that the 33-year-old had developed a loose fragment inside his right knee joint. As a result, Carvajal will undergo arthroscopic surgery in the coming days. The news marks yet another setback in what has been a difficult run of injuries for the long-serving right back.
While Real Madrid did not provide a precise timeframe for his recovery, reports from The Athletic suggest Carvajal may be sidelined for the rest of the calendar year. If that estimate proves correct, the Spaniard’s latest spell out could extend well into 2026.
Lingering effects of past injuries
The issue affects the same knee in which Carvajal tore two ligaments and a tendon in October 2024. That serious injury kept him out for nine months before returning during the FIFA Club World Cup this past summer. His comeback initially went smoothly, with the defender regaining a regular starting role early in the 2025–26 campaign.
However, his progress was again halted when he suffered a calf injury during the Madrid derby, ruling him out until Sunday’s clash with Barcelona. Carvajal featured for only 18 minutes in that match before being struck by another major problem — his third significant setback in just over a year.
The constant interruptions have raised concerns about the veteran’s long-term durability as Real Madrid continues to navigate a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.
Real Madrid’s upcoming challenges
Should Carvajal remain out for the rest of 2025, he will be absent for at least ten fixtures across La Liga and the Champions League. These include key clashes against Valencia, Liverpool, and Manchester City — games that could prove decisive in Real Madrid’s campaign.
With the team set to visit Anfield in just a few days, coach Xabi Alonso will now have to lean heavily on Trent Alexander-Arnold to cover the right flank. The Englishman himself has only recently returned from a lengthy injury, making squad rotation a delicate balancing act for the manager.
Midfielder Federico Valverde may also be called upon to fill in on the right side, offering additional defensive cover during this difficult stretch. The coming weeks will test Real Madrid’s depth and resilience as they push toward the winter break without one of their most experienced leaders.
Likely matches missed by Carvajal
If his recovery does indeed extend through December, Carvajal will be unavailable for the following fixtures:
Valencia (H) – November 1 – La Liga
Liverpool (A) – November 4 – Champions League
Rayo Vallecano (A) – November 9 – La Liga
Elche (A) – November 23 – La Liga
Olympiacos (A) – November 26 – Champions League
Girona (A) – November 30 – La Liga
Celta Vigo (H) – December 7 – La Liga
Manchester City (A) – December 10 – Champions League
Alavés (A) – December 14 – La Liga
Sevilla (H) – December 21 – La Liga
The absence of their captain leaves Real Madrid facing a crucial stretch of the season with limited defensive options, increasing the pressure on Alonso’s already stretched backline.
