Real Madrid have been dealt a further blow in the aftermath of Saturday’s thumping 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, as one of their important players has been struck down by an injury.
In the 59th minute of the Madrid derby, Xabi Alonso took the decision to withdraw Dani Carvajal, and it has now been confirmed that it was an enforced change. The Real Madrid captain sustained an injury at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano, as confirmed by an official medical statement.
“After the tests carried out today on our player Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the soleus of his right leg. Pending evolution.”
Real Madrid have no fit right-backs for at least one month
Real Madrid do not say how long Carvajal will be out, but according to Marca, he is expected to be out for at least four weeks. Ordinarily, this would be bad news for Alonso, but it is made even worse by the fact that his other right-back option Trent Alexander-Arnold is already injured, having tore his hamstring against Marseille earlier this month.
What games will Carvajal miss?
Alonso will have to think for a solution, which is most likely to see Federico Valverde used as a makeshift right-back – as he was last season. As for Carvajal, he is expected to miss matches against Kairat Almaty (A), Villarreal (H), Getafe (A), Juventus (H) and Barcelona (H), although he may be able to make it back in time for El Clasico – the same could also be said for Trent.
Valverde would be sufficient cover at right-back, given that Real Madrid have more than enough in the centre of midfield to allow the Uruguayan to be used elsewhere. Eduardo Camavinga could now push for a regular starting spot, or it could be that Jude Bellingham is utilised in a deeper role.
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