Real Madrid’s Title Hopes Take a Hit as Key Players Sidelined
In a devastating blow to their LaLiga title ambitions, Real Madrid has confirmed that defender Dani Carvajal will be out for an extended period due to a severe knee injury. The Spanish fullback suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament, and popliteus tendon in his right leg during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Villarreal.
Carvajal’s emotional exit from the pitch in added time was followed by a social media post revealing the extent of his injury. The club has since announced that he will undergo surgery in the coming days, casting a shadow over his participation in the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, star forward Vinícius Júnior has been diagnosed with a cervical injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for an unspecified period. A source close to the Brazilian national team has revealed that Vinícius will not be joining up with his country for the upcoming international break.
The double blow has left Real Madrid reeling, with coach Carlo Ancelotti admitting that his players are “sad and worried” about Carvajal’s long-term absence. The Italian tactician also expressed concern for Vinícius, who was “in pain” and felt “stiff” after being substituted in the 79th minute.
With Carvajal out, Madrid’s right-back options are severely limited, leaving Lucas Vázquez as the only senior player available for the position. The club had been exploring potential transfer targets, including Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, but a mid-season deal for either player appears complicated.
In a surprising move, Real Madrid has announced that they will be extending Carvajal’s contract by a year, until June 2026, in recognition of his importance to the team. The news provides a glimmer of hope for the Spanish giants, who will be desperate to get their key players back on the pitch as soon as possible.
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