Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has faced mounting setbacks this season as injuries pile up. Dani Carvajal sustained a left soleus muscle injury and will sit out the rest of the year. The issue has compounded Real Madrid’s recent struggles, contributing to a challenging run of results on the pitch.
The Spanish full-back reached a high point in a season that had already seen him deliver moments of standout performance. He had found the back of the net twice, a feat he had accomplished only once before, underscoring how quickly his form had surged before the injury disrupted his momentum.
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In the wider narrative of Real Madrid’s campaign, the focus shifts to how the squad adapts in Carvajal’s absence. The interruption interrupts a period of strong performances from several teammates and tests the depth behind the first-choice right-back position. The team will need to recalibrate quickly to maintain defensive stability and offensive momentum while the injury runs its course.
At least three weeks leave
Although no precise timeline was released, Real Madrid indicated that Carvajal is currently unavailable and that the return will follow a gradual recovery path. The early projection points to a spell of at least three weeks, closely aligning with the upcoming holiday period and the congested schedule ahead.
Carvajal’s medical report is being monitored by the club, with updates shared through the usual communications channels. The latest bulletin confirms an injury seen in the recent match and emphasizes careful management to prevent a recurrence once he resumes training.
Carvajal was sidelined last Saturday in Real Madrid’s clash with Granada, a game the Whites won through goals from Brahma and Rodrygo. He started the match but left the field for treatment at halftime and did not return to the pitch. The absence will likely increase opportunities for Lucas Vazquez or other squad members to step into the role of right-back as the season progresses.
Matches that Carvajal misses
The Spaniard will miss upcoming visits to Betis, a midweek trip to Union Berlin, and a home fixture against Villarreal at the Bernabéu. The calendar suggests that the earliest possible return could come around the start of the new year in Chamartín, with the aim of being fit for the Super Cup semi-final against Athletic on January 10. In the meantime, squad rotation will be crucial to maintain performance across competitions.
Carvajal’s injury is layered within a broader context of squad management. Alongside him, other key players such as Courtois, Militao, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Vinícius, and Güler have faced issues at various times. Modric has also been listed as sidelined, though there are signs of potential recovery in the near term, offering hope for a return to regular minutes. Kepa, who recently started on the bench in what was anticipated to be his last appearance for the club, remains as a reserve option should it be needed in upcoming fixtures.