Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Dani Carvajal has suffered a soleus muscle injury in his right leg, ruling him out of action for around four weeks.
“Following tests carried out today on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a soleus injury in his right leg. Evolution pending,” the club announced in a statement.
Fresh setback for the captain
Carvajal only recently returned from a long-term ACL injury but was forced off during Madrid’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico.
Journalist Arancha Rodriguez reports that the veteran right-back is expected to miss a month, compounding Madrid’s defensive concerns.
Key fixtures to miss
The injury means Carvajal will be absent for crucial games against Kairat Almaty, Villarreal, Getafe, and Juventus, as well as the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona on 26 October.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold already sidelined until November, manager Xabi Alonso now faces a defensive crisis.
Options for Alonso
Madrid are without a recognised first-team right-back, leaving Raul Asencio as a possible replacement.
However, injuries to Antonio Rudiger and concerns over Eder Militao could force Alonso to keep Asencio at centre-back, limiting his options further.
