Dani Cavajal Will Be Out For 2-8 Weeks, Xabi Alonso Confirmed

The injury occurred during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona on October 26th. Carvajal had just come on as a second-half substitute, marking his return after a previous calf injury . He felt discomfort after the match, and subsequent tests revealed a "loose joint" in his right knee, for which he successfully underwent arthroscopic surgery .

Manager Xabi Alonso expressed his disappointment, calling it "the worst news on Monday" and a "surprise" given that Carvajal had just played and competed well . Alonso confirmed the team will "definitely miss him" and specified a recovery timeline of seven to eight weeks, meaning Carvajal is unlikely to play again in 2025 .

This is a particularly tough blow for the 33-year-old captain, as this is the same knee in which he suffered a serious ligament and tendon injury back in October 2024 .

Carvajal's absence is a significant challenge for Los Blancos, but the team does have options to fill the void at right-back.

• Primary Replacement: The most direct replacement is Trent Alexander-Arnold . His return from a muscle injury is well-timed, and he is expected to step into the starting role .
• Alternative Option: Midfielder Federico Valverde has previously provided cover in the right-back position and is expected to be the backup option . He started in that role against Barcelona and, while he performed admirably, reports noted he was exhausted by the end of the match, highlighting the physical demands of the position .

Beyond the tactical adjustments, the team will also miss Carvajal's experience and leadership on the pitch, qualities that are hard to replace .

For Dani Carvajal, this injury is another test of mental endurance. After working hard to return from a long-term layoff, to be sidelined again after just 20 minutes on the pitch is a cruel twist . It halts his efforts to regain consistent form and re-establish his leadership role in a squad that deeply values his professionalism and influence .

It's never easy to see a key player and captain facing a prolonged period on the sidelines. Here's hoping for a swift and successful recovery for Dani Carvajal.