Credits: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Dani Carvajal Injury Update: How Long Will Real Madrid Be Without Their Key Defender?

Credits: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Real Madrid have been dealt a massive blow following their dramatic 2–1 El Clasico win against Barcelona. Captain Dani Carvajal has suffered a knee injury that could sideline him for an extended period. The 33-year-old defender only just made his comeback from a calf problem.

Now it seems that he is facing yet another frustrating spell on the treatment table. Real Madrid’s medical team ran some tests and the Spanish right-back was diagnosed with a loose body in his right knee joint. The club confirmed that he will undergo an arthroscopic procedure to correct the issue.

🚨 Dani Carvajal has been diagnosed with the presence of a joint free body in his right knee.

Real Madrid fullback will undergo an arthroscopy, out until January – @AranchaMobile reports. pic.twitter.com/5I8mGhedkd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2025

It’s the same knee in which Carvajal sustained ligament and tendon damage in October 2024. The same injury previously had him ruled out for nine months. This recurrence adds to the veteran’s ongoing struggle with long-term fitness problems that have shadowed him over recent seasons.

Selection Headache Arises for Real Madrid

Carvajal’s injury leaves Xabi Alonso with limited options at right-back. Summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been recovering from a muscle injury of his own. He is expected to step in fter recovering soon. Meanwhile, Federico Valverde may once again be called upon.

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The midfielder may need to step up and provide defensive cover when required. The timing of the setback couldn’t come at a worse time for Los Blancos. Carvajal’s leadership and experience have been instrumental in maintaining Real Madrid’s defensive stability.

His absence will now test the team’s depth as they navigate a busy run of fixtures across multiple competitions. While the club has not officially stated a recovery timeline, Spanish media reports suggest that the full-back could miss up to three months. It could potentially sideline him for the rest of this year.

Also Read: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Ends in a Huge Brawl: What Happened and Who Were Booked at the End of El Clasico?

Matches Dani Carvajal Is Expected to Miss

If the projected recovery period holds true, Carvajal could be forced to sit out several key fixtures before the end of the year, including both domestic and European clashes:

La Liga Games:

Valencia (H) – November 1
Rayo Vallecano (A) – November 9
Elche (A) – November 23
Girona (A) – November 30
Celta Vigo (H) – December 7
Alaves (A) – December 14
Sevilla (H) – December 21

Champions League Games

Liverpool (A) – November 4
Olympiacos (A) – November 26
Manchester City (A) – December 10

As evident from the El Clasico, the captain’s absence will be felt both on and off the pitch. Real Madrid will hope Carvajal recovers swiftly. However, with his history of knee troubles, caution will likely define his road back to full fitness.

Dani Carvajal

Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.