Real Madrid Captain Dani Carvajal Undergoes Surgery, Out Until 2026

Real Madrid have confirmed that Dani Carvajal, the club’s long-serving right-back and captain, has successfully undergone surgery on his right knee. The operation addresses a joint issue detected after the recent Clásico, marking another setback in a challenging period for the defender. Carvajal has been a cornerstone of Madrid’s defense for over a decade, contributing to multiple La Liga titles, Champions League victories, and the overall stability of the team. 

The injury comes at a critical point in the season, coinciding with World Cup year preparations and a packed schedule of domestic and international fixtures. PHWIN 

Surgery and Recovery Details

Carvajal underwent an arthroscopic procedure after medical examinations revealed a loose body in his right knee—the same knee that suffered a severe triple tear in October 2024. The surgery, performed under the supervision of Dr. Leyes and the Real Madrid medical team, was successful. Following the operation, Carvajal will immediately begin a structured rehabilitation program aimed at full recovery. The club estimates a recovery period of six to ten weeks. While there is a small possibility of a mid-December return, realistic expectations indicate that Carvajal will not rejoin training or matches until 2026, ensuring his knee heals without risk of relapse.

Context of Recent Injury History

Carvajal’s right knee has been a source of recurring challenges. Previously, he suffered a tear in his right soleus muscle during a match at the Metropolitano, which sidelined him for several weeks. His return to the pitch in the Clásico last Sunday marked four weeks of absence, during which he played 19 minutes as a substitute for Valverde. Despite a positive performance, discomfort emerged late in the game, prompting immediate medical evaluation. 

An MRI scan conducted the following Monday confirmed a joint free body in the knee, necessitating surgical intervention. PHWIN app

Matches Carvajal Will Miss

During the initial six-week recovery period, Carvajal is certain to miss nine matches across La Liga, Champions League, and international friendlies: Valencia (home), Liverpool (away), Rayo Vallecano (away), Georgia (away), Turkey (home), Elche (away), Olympiacos (away), Girona (away), and Celta de Vigo (home). Beyond this period, the defender is likely to miss additional fixtures, including Manchester City (home), Alavés (away), and Sevilla (home), effectively sidelining him for the remainder of 2025. This absence will require tactical adjustments from coach Xabi Alonso, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Valverde covering right-back duties during Carvajal’s recovery.

Implications for Real Madrid

The timing of Carvajal’s injury presents a strategic challenge for Real Madrid. As a defensive leader, his presence on the pitch is crucial for maintaining cohesion and organization at the back. Losing Carvajal during key league matches and Champions League fixtures increases pressure on substitutes and may influence match outcomes. Alexander-Arnold’s temporary role in La Liga fixtures and Valverde’s contributions in European games are expected to maintain stability, but replicating Carvajal’s experience and defensive instincts is a complex task.

Rehabilitation and Return Timeline

Following surgery, Carvajal’s rehabilitation plan focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and joint stability. The club has designed a phased approach, beginning with controlled mobility exercises, progressing to resistance training, and finally incorporating on-field drills. The ten-week mark coincides with the Reyes period and the Spanish Super Cup, making this timeframe the most probable window for his return. Notably, no competitive matches are scheduled between December 21 and January 4, which allows additional recovery time without the pressure of immediate fixtures. This strategic planning underscores Real Madrid’s commitment to ensuring a safe and complete return for their captain.

Medical Insights and Expert Opinion

Experts note that arthroscopic surgery for a loose body in the knee is typically successful, with high rates of full recovery for professional athletes. Given Carvajal’s age, fitness level, and previous rehabilitation experience, medical staff are optimistic about his long-term performance post-surgery. The club emphasizes that rushing his return could risk further injury or compromise his career longevity, making a cautious approach essential. This method aligns with best practices in elite sports medicine and demonstrates the club’s dedication to player health and performance sustainability.

Carvajal’s Role in Team Dynamics

Dani Carvajal has long been integral to Real Madrid’s defensive line, contributing not only in defensive duties but also in building attacks from the right flank. His ability to combine overlapping runs with precise crosses has been key to the team’s offensive strategies, while his tactical awareness ensures defensive stability. With Carvajal sidelined, the squad must adapt, relying on younger or rotational players to fill the void. This challenge tests the depth of the squad while also providing opportunities for emerging talents to gain critical experience at the highest level.

Impact on Team Performance

Carvajal’s absence comes at a crucial juncture in both domestic and international competitions. Matches against strong opponents such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Sevilla will test Madrid’s defensive resilience. Maintaining consistency in defensive organization, communication, and tactical discipline will be essential to compensate for the missing captain. Observers and analysts predict that strategic rotations and adjustments will be necessary to mitigate the impact of his absence while ensuring the team remains competitive on all fronts.

Strategic Adjustments by Xabi Alonso

Coach Xabi Alonso faces a challenging task in managing the defensive line without Carvajal. Options include deploying Alexander-Arnold in La Liga fixtures, Valverde in European games, or adjusting formations to enhance central defense coverage. The club’s coaching staff is closely monitoring players’ performance metrics, fitness levels, and tactical adaptation to maintain optimal defensive stability. Alonso’s experience as a former elite player and tactical thinker will be crucial in navigating this period and ensuring minimal disruption to team performance.

Fan and Media Reaction

The news of Carvajal’s surgery has elicited significant reactions from fans, media, and football analysts. Supporters express concern for the defender’s health while acknowledging the importance of a cautious rehabilitation. Media coverage highlights both the medical success of the procedure and the challenges facing Real Madrid in his absence. Analysts have praised the club’s proactive approach in prioritizing long-term recovery over immediate returns, recognizing the importance of safeguarding a key player’s career.

Conclusion: A Critical Period for Real Madrid

Dani Carvajal’s surgery represents a major development for Real Madrid as the club navigates a packed fixture schedule and the challenges of elite competition. While the operation was successful and rehabilitation is underway, the right-back’s absence until 2026 will test squad depth, tactical flexibility, and leadership on the field. Strategic adjustments, careful management, and reliance on capable substitutes will be essential to maintain competitive performance. Carvajal’s eventual return is highly anticipated, and ensuring a complete, injury-free comeback remains the club’s top priority, highlighting the balance between medical prudence and sporting ambition.