Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will miss the Champions League showdown with Liverpool and several other matches due to injury, paving the way for Trent Alexander-Arnold to potentially be reunited with his former club on the pitch. The Spanish defender is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, which could keep him out for the remainder of 2025.
The Spanish international felt uncomfortable after Madrid’s El Clasico win over Barcelona on Sunday. Carvajal, who came on midway through the second half during the 2-1 win, underwent medical tests on Monday morning to assess the extent of his injury.
The right-back could be sidelined for more than six weeks and it is thought he could be out until January 2026. The La Liga giants are scheduled to face Liverpool on November 4th.
“As a result of the tests carried out on captain Dani Carvajal by Real Madrid’s medical services, it has been determined that the joint in his right knee is loosened,” the club said in a statement on Monday night. “Carvajal will undergo an arthroscopy.”
This latest setback involves the same knee in which Carvajal suffered two torn ligaments and a torn tendon in October 2024, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
The 33-year-old’s forced absence due to injury could increase the chances of Liverpool academy product Alexander-Arnold starting against his former club. The versatile full-back left Anfield in the summer to join Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold has made 10 appearances for Real Madrid so far, but his Spanish adventure has had a somewhat shaky start.
The 27-year-old picked up a hamstring problem early in his new club’s 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille in mid-September.
His rehabilitation from a hamstring setback is thought to be progressing well so far and there is a good chance he could play against the Reds next month.
The England international has been named in Madrid’s squad for this weekend’s game against Barcelona.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said after the match: “We are working on the assumption that every player in the team can be a starter. After that, it depends on the mental, tactical and physical aspects, but everyone can play.”
Madrid resume La Liga action against Valencia on Saturday before traveling to Merseyside three days later.
