Real Madrid announced Sunday that captain Dani Carvajal sustained a calf muscle injury during Saturday's derby defeat against Atletico Madrid. The 33-year-old defender left the match after 60 minutes as his team fell 5-2 to their crosstown rivals. Medical staff diagnosed the injury as damage to the soleus muscle in his right leg following comprehensive testing. Spanish media outlets report the setback will sideline Carvajal for approximately one month.
The veteran fullback had appeared in seven of eight matches across all competitions this season before the latest injury occurred. Carvajal recently completed his recovery from a nine-month absence caused by an anterior cruciate ligament tear. His return came during July's Club World Cup semifinals where he resumed regular playing duties. The timing proves particularly challenging as fellow defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Ruediger remain unavailable through separate injuries.
Manager Xabi Alonso faces limited defensive options ahead of Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan. The injury likely rules out Carvajal's participation when Barcelona visits on October 26 for the season's first Clasico meeting.
The veteran fullback had appeared in seven of eight matches across all competitions this season before the latest injury occurred. Carvajal recently completed his recovery from a nine-month absence caused by an anterior cruciate ligament tear. His return came during July's Club World Cup semifinals where he resumed regular playing duties. The timing proves particularly challenging as fellow defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Ruediger remain unavailable through separate injuries.
Manager Xabi Alonso faces limited defensive options ahead of Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan. The injury likely rules out Carvajal's participation when Barcelona visits on October 26 for the season's first Clasico meeting.
