Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal is set to miss the remainder of 2025 after undergoing successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, the Spanish club confirmed on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old defender experienced discomfort following his 72nd-minute substitute appearance in Madrid’s 2–1 El Clasico win over Barcelona on Sunday. It was his first match since recovering from a calf injury sustained during the 5–2 loss to Atletico Madrid on September 27.
“Following tests carried out on our captain, Dani Carvajal, by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a loose joint in his right knee. Carvajal will undergo arthroscopy,” the club said in an earlier statement.
Real Madrid later announced that the operation was successful, though no official recovery timeline was provided. According to ESPN, the club is expecting Carvajal to be out for two to three months, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the calendar year.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos received a boost as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is expected to return to the starting lineup at right back.
Real Madrid will host Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday in their next La Liga fixture.