By Martin Graham
Real Madrid they have confirmed this captain Dani Carvajal has injured his knee, just a day after featuring in the club’s 2-1 win against Barcelona to the Classic The defender, who recently returned from a calf problem, experienced discomfort during the game and was forced to undergo medical checks on Monday.
Following the tests, the club released a statement revealing that the 33-year-old had developed a loose fragment inside the right knee joint. Consequently, Carvajal will undergo arthroscopic surgery in the coming days. The news marks another setback in what has been a difficult run of injuries for the long-serving right-back.
Although Real Madrid did not provide a precise timeframe for his recovery, reports from Athletic suggest that Carvajal could be sidelined for the rest of the calendar year. If this estimate turns out to be correct, the last detail of the Spaniard could extend until 2026.
Lingering effects of past injuries
The problem 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 he returned during the FIFA Club World Cup last summer. His comeback was initially uneventful, with the defender regaining a regular starting role at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
However, his progress was slowed again when he suffered a calf injury during the Madrid derby, ruling him out until Sunday’s clash with Barcelona. Carvajal played just 18 minutes in that game before suffering 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 continue to navigate a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.
Real Madrid’s next challenges
Should Carvajal remain out for the rest of 2025, he will be absent for at least ten La Liga and Champions League games. These include key matchups vs Valencia, Liverpooli Manchester City — matches that could be decisive in Real Madrid’s campaign.
With the squad set to visit Anfield in a few days, manager Xabi Alonso will have a lot to lean on Trent Alexander-Arnold to cover the right flank. The Englishman himself has only recently returned from a long injury layoff, making squad rotation a delicate balance for the manager.
Midfielder Federico Valverde He can also be called upon to fill in on the right side, providing additional defensive cover during this difficult stretch. The coming weeks will test Real Madrid’s depth and resilience as they head into the winter break without one of their most experienced leaders.
Probable games missed by Carvajal
If his recovery lasts until December, Carvajal will not be available for the following matches:
Valencia (H) – November 1 – La Liga
Liverpool (A) – November 4 – Champions League
Rayo Vallecano (A) – November 9 – La Liga
Elke (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 means Real Madrid face a crucial stretch of the season with limited defensive options, increasing the pressure on Alonso’s already stretched backline.
