FAST DOWNLOAD
WHAT HAPPENED?
The veteran full-back suffered a serious injury in Real’s 2-0 win over Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday and is unlikely to play again this season. The reigning Spanish champions provided an update on the player’s condition on Sunday, with a statement reading, “Following tests carried out on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days.”
-
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been linked with a move for Liverpool and England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for quite some time now, and with his contract up in the summer of 2025, they could acquire him on a free transfer. However, Sport now reports that Carvajal’s long-term injury could force Real to go after the the Englishman in the upcoming January window.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ancelotti currently has only six senior defenders at his disposal after Carvajal’s injury blow. Lucas Vazquez is the only right-back option for the Italian coach while Eder Militao, Jesus Vallejo and Antonio Rudiger are the fit centre-backs. On the left side, the Real boss can at least rotate between Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy.
-
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Real will be back in action after the international break on October 19 as they take on Celta Vigo away from home in La Liga.
