Real Madrid are on a high after snapping a four-game losing streak against Barcelona in El Clasico, one that allowed them to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points. However that high has been accompanied by a cloud surrounding Dani Carvajal.

The 33-year-old right-back had been out injured for the past four weeks, and was racing back to be fit to face Barcelona after a hamstring injury. Carvajal did not start, but replaced Fede Valverde at right-back for the final half hour, but it appears to have taken its toll on their captain.

Carvajal undergoes knee surgery

As announced by Real Madrid on Monday evening, Carvajal has undergone an athroscopy on his right knee to remove a loose material in the knee. It is the same knee that was operated on in October of 2024, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament. Los Blancos will now be without Carvajal for the next two to three months, ruling him out for at least the rest of 2025.