Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has a suspected serious knee injury after being taken off the pitch on a stretcher during Saturday’s La Liga victory over Villarreal.
The 32-year-old right-back sustained the injury after his leg collided with Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino while he stretched to attempt to clear a bouncing ball in second-half stoppage time.
Carvajal immediately appeared in visible distress and his team-mates instantly gestured for him to receive medical attention. He was treated on the pitch before leaving the field on a stretcher.
He will undergo assessments tonight (Saturday), and Ancelotti blamed the congested fixture schedule for the injury.
“It’s quite serious, (and his) knee,” Ancelotti said. “They have to evaluate it in the next few hours. The dressing room is sad and worried. It’s because of the calendar. And it has happened to a very important player for us.”
He continued: “He’s a fundamental player for us because of his experience, professionalism…. We’re going to wait, I’ve spoken to him a bit and he’s sad, obviously, and disappointed. There is not much to do.”
Vinicius Junior will also be assessed on Sunday after being forced off with injury in the second half of Saturday’s victory.
Madrid have contended with a number of injury problems this season with Brahim Diaz and Thibaut Courtois both sidelined and Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga all having spells out over the course of the campaign. Ahead of the newly-expanded Champions League format beginning last month, Ancelotti called the calendar “too demanding”.
Carvajal has featured 11 times in all competitions this season, providing one goal and one assist and captaining the side when Luka Modric has been absent.
He made 41 appearances in all competitions last season as Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League, before featuring five times during Spain’s Euro 2024-winning campaign.
Carvajal had also been named in Spain’s squad for October’s Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Serbia.
Madrid were 2-0 winners over Villarreal after a goal in either half from Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior.
Ancelotti’s side return to action against Celta Vigo on October 19.
(Oscar Del Pozo/AFP via Getty Images)
