Real Madrid's key defender risks not playing again this year

The right-back for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, Dani Carvajal, is unlikely to take the field again in 2023. The footballer sustained an injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg, as reported by Marca.

The 31-year-old Carvajal felt discomfort towards the end of the first half in the match against Granada (2-0) this past weekend and requested substitution during halftime. According to the medical diagnosis, the full-back for Los Blancos will spend 3-4 weeks in the infirmary.

Consequently, the defender will miss six games: four in La Liga (against Real Betis, Villarreal, Alaves, and Mallorca), one in the Champions League (against Union Berlin), and another fixture in the Copa del Rey.

The club anticipates the footballer's return to fitness in early January 2024, aiding the team in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal where Real Madrid will face Atletico. The encounter is scheduled for January 10th.

It's worth noting that Carvajal has already missed several matches at the start of the season due to a muscular injury. In the ongoing season, the defender has played 17 matches for Los Blancos across all competitions, scoring two goals.

Real Madrid leads La Liga after playing 15 matches, slightly ahead of Girona based on additional criteria. Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti's team has already secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stages.

It was previously reported that Real Madrid leader Jude Bellingham will require shoulder surgery, due to which he will be forced to miss several months.