Carvajal Knee Surgery Update: When Will the Right-Back Return?
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Carvajal Knee Surgery went smoothly, but Madrid’s trusted right-back now faces weeks on the sidelines as his rehab officially begins. The operation, performed to remove a loose fragment in his right knee, was declared a complete success by the club’s medical staff. According to Real Madrid, Carvajal is expected to be out for between six and ten weeks, although insiders admit that a 2026 return is far more likely. Fans hoping for an early comeback may need to be patient. For those who want to dive into more performance data across Spain’s top division, check out our LaLiga Stats section for deeper analysis and player metrics.
- Dani Carvajal undergoes successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
- Expected recovery time between six and ten weeks, possibly out until 2026.
- Real Madrid preparing to rely on Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold for cover.
- Another major blow in a crucial pre-World Cup year for the Spanish defender.
The setback couldn’t have come at a worse time. Just four weeks after returning from a muscle injury, Carvajal felt discomfort following the Clásico, which led to immediate medical scans on Monday morning. The results were decisive, a free body in his knee that required urgent intervention. He underwent arthroscopy under the supervision of Dr. Leyes, with Real Madrid’s medical team closely monitoring the procedure. Everything went as planned, and by mid-morning, the veteran defender was already on the road to recovery.
Still, the timing hurts. Madrid’s calendar doesn’t offer much breathing room, with fixtures against Valencia, Liverpool, and Girona all looming. The club expects to play at least nine matches without their defensive stalwart, and possibly more if he’s not ready by the New Year. Given the tight race at the top of LaLiga and the upcoming European challenges, this absence could prove costly. Carvajal’s leadership and defensive reading are not easy to replace, no matter how deep Madrid’s bench might look on paper.
In the meantime, Carlo Ancelotti will turn to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Federico Valverde to share duties on the right flank. Both have the technical ability, but replicating Carvajal’s tactical instincts is another matter. His overlapping runs and defensive awareness have anchored Madrid’s shape for years. Losing him again feels like déjà vu, another cruel twist in what’s become a frustrating run of injuries.
For now, the focus shifts entirely to his recovery. Carvajal is no stranger to long roads back, and his determination is well documented. Still, fans can’t help but wonder: can he return to peak form before the World Cup year kicks into full gear? Only time will tell, but what’s certain is that his absence will reshape Madrid’s backline heading into the new year. For ongoing insights into performance trends and team form, our latest LaLiga Stats reports will keep you updated as the season unfolds. Source: as.com.
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