Blow for Real Madrid as Carvajal Ruled Out Long-Term with Knee Problem

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is expected to be out of action for more than two months after the Spanish league leaders confirmed on Monday that he requires further surgery on his knee.

The Real Madrid captain had only just returned from injury, making a substitute appearance in Sunday’s 2–1 El Clásico victory over Barcelona. However, fresh tests revealed a new issue in his right knee.

“He has been diagnosed with the presence of a loose body in his right knee joint. Carvajal will now undergo an arthroscopy,” the club said in an official statement, without specifying a recovery timeline.

The 33-year-old will miss next week’s Champions League trip to Liverpool and is also unlikely to feature against Manchester City when the English champions visit the Santiago Bernabéu on December 10.

Carvajal previously suffered a serious knee injury in the same leg in 2024, which required surgery and sidelined him for most of last season.

According to Spanish media reports, the veteran right-back could be out for six to ten weeks, ruling him out of Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in November.