Dani Carvajal Injury Update: Latest Details, Recovery Timeline & Impact on Team

The 2025-26 season's first El Clásico match-up lived up to expectations held in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid defeated their arch rivals FC Barcelona 2-1 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. A highly awaited win for the hosts that helped Los Blancos turn the tables against the Catalan giants after suffering four successive losses to them.

Madrid extended their lead to five points in the race to claim the La Liga title, cementing their place at the top of the table. Amid the jubilation of an El Clásico win, Real Madrid receives unsettling news on Dani Carvajal injury update. The Los Blancos captain has been dealt a disturbing knee injury following their recent win over Barcelona. Reportedly, Carvajal could miss the action for an indefinite period, subsequently mounting problems for Xabi Alonso and his side.

Dani Carvajal Injury Details

The Spanish star defender Dani Carvajal had recently come back, recovering from a muscle injury that he suffered during the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid in late October. The 33-year-old defender did not feature in the two league outings against Villarreal and Getafe before making an 18-minute substitute appearance in El Clásico. In the match, Carvajal replaced Federico Valverde to mark his return after a month-long absence.

However, the Spaniard soon felt discomfort in his right knee and managed to play until the full-time whistle in a 2-1 victory at home. Post-match, Real Madrid confirmed that he has sustained a fresh injury and will be required to undergo arthroscopy surgery as indicated by the recent tests conducted by the club's medical staff on Monday.

Real Madrid's official report on Dani Carvajal injury read: “Following tests carried out on our captain Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with the presence of a loose body in his right knee joint. Carvajal will now undergo an arthroscopy.” Providing Dani Carvajal injury update.

When Will Dani Carvajal Return?

In the 2025-26 season, the Spanish captain Dani Carvajal has only featured 8 times under Xabi Alonso. Following the recent injury setback, the veteran full-back is set to be on the sidelines until January next year. Understandably, he has been ruled out for the next ten matches, which include key European fixtures against Liverpool, Olympiacos, and Manchester City in addition to a string of league fixtures.

Possible Replacements & Tactical Adjustments

This Dani Carvajal injury comes as a major blow for the Spanish giants, as they are already dealing with injury crises in their backline, with Federico Valverde playing as a makeshift right back. New signing Trent Alexander-Arnold is still regaining his fitness from a muscle injury, and leaves the club with no orthodox right back in the squad at this moment. Xabi Alonso can also use Raul Asencio as a right back in place of Carvajal. Real Madrid will be up against Liverpool in a crucial Champions League fixture, where the bench strength of the squad will be tested.