MADRID, 28 October (H.S.): Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 victory in El Clásico has been tempered by a significant injury blow to team captain Dani Carvajal. The club confirmed in a statement on Monday that medical evaluations revealed a loose body in the defender’s right knee joint.

According to the club’s official announcement, Carvajal will undergo arthroscopic surgery to address the issue. The procedure is expected to keep the Spanish international off the field for approximately two months, making his return unlikely before the start of 2026.This injury is a frustrating setback for the 33-year-old, who had just made his return as a second-half substitute against FC Barcelona after recovering from a separate month-long muscle injury.

Carvajal also missed most of the 2024-25 season due to a torn knee ligament.His absence creates a defensive challenge for coach Xabi Alonso, as Carvajal competes for the right-back role with new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has also recently recovered from an injury.

The lack of available specialists in the position had previously led Alonso to utilize midfielder Fede Valverde in the backline.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar