Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal has encountered another setback following the El Clasico victory, as he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The club confirmed the success of the procedure but anticipates Carvajal to be out of action for approximately three months.
Carvajal featured as a substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, coming on for Federico Valverde in the 72nd minute. Despite completing the match, he later reported significant knee discomfort. Diagnostic scans revealed the issue, potentially sidelining him until the new year. The 33-year-old has faced a series of injury challenges, with only eight appearances this season and a nine-month absence last year due to a similar knee concern.
During his absence, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to reclaim the starting right-back position as Real Madrid readies to host Valencia this Saturday.
Real Madrid’s hard-earned victory at the Santiago Bernabeu signaled a pivotal moment in their season, ending a four-game losing streak against their Catalan counterparts. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both found the net in the first half, with Mbappe scoring first in the 22nd minute before Fermin Lopez equalized. Bellingham swiftly restored Madrid’s lead in the 43rd minute.
The intense match concluded in turmoil as tensions escalated following Barcelona’s Pedri receiving a red card in stoppage time. A heated altercation ensued involving Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, and various bench players, resulting in Madrid’s backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin being shown a red card after the final whistle.
Coach Xabi Alonso played down the confrontation, attributing it to the intensity of a significant fixture.
The outcome propelled Real Madrid five points ahead of Barcelona at the summit of La Liga after 10 rounds. With 12 victories in 13 matches this season, Los Blancos have regained strong momentum, even as they face the absence of one of their key defenders once more.