Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal faces another setback as he prepares for knee surgery after sustaining an injury during Real Madrid’s El Clasico victory over Barcelona. The veteran defender will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks, as confirmed by the club’s medical team.
In an official statement, Real Madrid announced that Carvajal has been diagnosed with a loose body in his right knee and will undergo arthroscopic surgery. This injury adds to his long list of fitness struggles over the past year, forcing him to miss a significant portion of the 2024–25 season.
Club sources revealed that the 33-year-old right-back could miss the remainder of 2025, making this a major blow for Los Blancos as they continue their title charge. Carvajal came on as a substitute during Real’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona, which extended their lead at the top of the La Liga table to five points, with 27 points compared to Barcelona’s 22.
The defender’s injury history dates back to October 2024, when he ruptured two ligaments and a tendon in a match against Villarreal. Although he made a return during July’s Club World Cup semi-finals, frequent muscle issues have hampered his consistency ever since.
Carvajal’s leadership and defensive stability have been vital to Real Madrid’s dominance both domestically and in Europe. His absence could impact the club’s upcoming fixtures, including the UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, where his experience would have been key. Fans are hopeful for a strong recovery as the veteran continues his battle against recurring injuries.