Following Dani Carvajal’s serious injury during Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal, the club has received alarming news from renowned surgeon Pablo Gelber, who warns of a potentially severe impact on the player's career.
Carvajal’s injury occurred during the ninth round of La Liga when the right-back was attempting to clear the ball in a challenge against a Villarreal player. After collapsing in visible pain, Carvajal was stretchered off the pitch in tears. The post-match diagnosis confirmed the worst fears, with Real Madrid issuing a statement on Sunday morning.
The club’s announcement revealed the full extent of the damage: "Dani Carvajal has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament, and a rupture of the popliteal tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days."
Surgeon Pablo Gelber, who spoke to *Marca*, delivered an even more troubling prognosis. At 32 years old, Carvajal may face an uphill battle to return to his former level of play. Gelber cautioned that recovery from such an injury could take more than a year, stating, “I wouldn’t speak of a recovery period of less than 12 months.” He added that the chances of returning to peak athletic performance after such a severe injury are slim, with statistics showing a recovery rate of only 50 to 60%.
This revelation has left Real Madrid deeply concerned. Carvajal, a vital figure in the squad, had been in discussions with the club to extend his contract until 2026. However, with this career-threatening injury, his future at the club—and in professional football—remains uncertain.
To further complicate matters, Real Madrid has been reportedly eyeing Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold as a potential replacement. While Carvajal's recovery is yet to begin, the club may now be forced to explore alternatives in the transfer market, potentially reshaping their defensive lineup in the wake of this devastating injury.