Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will be unavailable to take on Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday after undergoing knee surgery earlier this week.

Real Madrid will aim to consolidate the spot on the summit of La Liga when they welcome Valencia to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night. Xabi Alonso has new roster issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Dani Carvajal is unavailable for the foreseeable future after undergoing knee surgery this week. Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin will serve a suspension after being sent off during the emotionally-charged scuffle after last weekend’s El Clasico. The duo is not in the matchday squad to take on Valencia this weekend.

David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger remain in the treatment room, and the latter is unavailable for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Alonso provided a fitness update on Dani Carvajal. The Spanish tactician also discussed the recent controversy surrounding Vinicius Junior.

The Real Madrid manager said, “That was the worst news on Monday. He played 20 or 25 minutes and did very well after the soleus injury he had. He competed and contributed as he usually does.”

“It was a surprise to get the call from the doctor and that there was a minor injury. We’ll miss him for sure because he’s very important on a day-to-day basis. I don’t know how long it will take: 6 or 8 weeks, but I’m not a doctor and I don’t want to anticipate. We’ll be waiting for him when the moment of the season is important.”

Discussing the Vinicius controversy, the Real Madrid boss said, “It was a very brave and positive statement. He showed his honesty and spoke from the heart: what this club means and what he wants to give.”

“The most important thing is what he said to his teammates, to the fans and to the club. I was satisfied and from Wednesday the issue was closed. It was very positive and very valuable. He’s looking good and all his teammates are looking forward to what’s to come. We’re all in the same boat rowing in the same direction.”

Thibaut Courtois is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-3-1-2 formation in front of him against Valencia on Saturday. The backline will feature Federico Valverde, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Guler, with Bellingham getting a free role in the final third. Finally, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will pair up in the offensive third. So, Rodrygo, Franco Mastantuono, and Brahim Diaz will be backup options on the bench.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Guler, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior