Dani Carvajal Sidelined for up to Three Months with Latest Knee Setback

Written by Pavel Kateliev

Pavel Kateliev is a popular sport journalist, particularly in the fields of football, basketball, tennis, and hockey. He writes daily for Sportingpedia and his work has been translated into at least 20 languages and featured on renowned outlets such as BBC, Yahoo, MCN, Sun, and Evening News, in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

, | Updated: October 28, 2025

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal laying injured on the field

Key Takeaways:

Dani Carvajal has been ruled out for between two and three months following the need for arthroscopic knee surgery
The 33-year-old sustained the injury in his right knee, where he previously suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear
Carvajal made his first appearance since September during El Clásico, coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute

Injury Details and Expected Absence

Real Madrid have confirmed that defender Dani Carvajal faces an extended period on the sidelines after it was determined he requires arthroscopy to remove a loose body from his right knee joint. Spanish media reports indicate the 33-year-old right-back will likely need between two and three months to fully recover, meaning a return to action before 2025 is improbable.

🚨 Dani Carvajal has been diagnosed with the presence of a joint free body in his right knee.
Real Madrid fullback will undergo an arthroscopy, out until January – @AranchaMobile reports. pic.twitter.com/5I8mGhedkd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2025

Recent Return and Immediate Setback

Carvajal’s latest injury is especially frustrating as he had only just completed rehabilitation from a separate problem. He resumed squad training approximately ten days ago and made his return in yesterday’s El Clásico, entering as a substitute in the 72nd minute – his first appearance since late September.

Concerns over Recurrent Knee Issues

The recurrence of injury in Carvajal’s right knee is cause for concern, as it is the same joint in which he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament rupture last season, an injury that kept him out for around nine months.

Defensive Options for Madrid

With Carvajal facing another lengthy recuperation, Real Madrid will need to rely on alternative options at right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold has also completed his own recovery and is available for selection, while Federico Valverde, who started in the role against Barcelona, remains another viable option for the position.