Dani Carvajal is back in the Real Madrid infirmary for a long-term stay. Already absent last season for several months, the defender was present on the pitch last Saturday during the Clasico won by his team against FC Barcelona (2-1, 10th day of La Liga). But on Monday evening, Real communicated about a knee injury to their captain. And this Tuesday, he indicated that he had to have surgery.
“Our captain, Dani Carvajal, today successfully underwent an arthroscopy of his right knee. The operation was carried out by Doctor Manuel Leyes, under the supervision of Real Madrid's medical services. Carvajal will begin his recovery program in the coming days. » It is with these words that Real Madrid confirmed the bad news.
The thirty-three-year-old Spanish international is betrayed by a physique that continues to decline. Last season, a ruptured cruciate ligament kept him away from the field from October 6, 2024 to May 31, 2025. He also did not play in June at the time of the Club World Cup, being short of form. And since the start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, he has missed five more matches between September 27 and October 25 due to a muscle injury.
Carvajal, two to three months of absence at Real Madrid
From now on, his hypothetical return is not expected for three months. Carvajal should therefore miss fifteen additional matches. In the best case scenario. For the full-back, this long-term absence is a hard blow, both for the club and for the Spanish selection.
With the 2026 World Cup looming and fast approaching, the Madrilenian knows that time is not on his side. The decision to have surgery quickly was probably also made with this deadline in mind. It remains to be seen whether Dani Carvajal will manage to recover in time. And if his body will then hold up.
