Everything you need to know about Dani Carvajal’s injury and his recovery time | OneFootball

In the closing moments of Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal, a chilling scream from Dani Carvajal echoed throughout the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, signalling a serious injury for the seasoned defender.

Almost instantly, it became evident that something was terribly wrong. Carvajal, who has been a crucial part of the team’s defensive line, was visibly distressed, and tears streamed down his face as he collapsed onto the pitch.

His teammates rushed to his side, trying to offer comfort while urgently summoning the medical staff to attend to him.

As the situation unfolded, the tension among the players was clear. Carvajal’s distressing screams filled the air, and he struggled to rise to his feet.

Initially, he attempted to walk off the field, but it quickly became apparent that he could not manage on his own. Eventually, medical personnel were soon called in with a stretcher to transport him.

What injury does Carvajal have?

Dani Carvajal was taken off on a stretcher. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Following his removal from the pitch, Carvajal underwent a series of medical tests to determine the extent of his injury. The results were grim; he had suffered a significant cruciate ligament injury that would necessitate surgery.

This news was not just a personal blow for Carvajal but also a considerable setback for the entire Real Madrid squad.

This season has already proven to be particularly challenging, with injuries plaguing the team and affecting their overall performance.

Carvajal himself took to social media to confirm the nature of his injury, expressing his deep disappointment. His emotional response—full of anguish and despair—was a clear indication of the toll this injury has taken on him.

When will Carvajal return?

Dani Carvajal’s season is expected to be over. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

This situation calls for careful consideration regarding his recovery timeline. The severity of cruciate ligament injuries can vary, but there is a strong possibility that Carvajal may not return to the pitch this season.

While some players do manage to recover more quickly, the consensus among medical professionals is that such injuries typically require several months of rehabilitation. Take David Alaba for that matter.

As it stands, all indications suggest that Carvajal will not see any further action for the remainder of the current campaign.

Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope that he might expedite his recovery and return for the crucial final stretch of the season, or even for the upcoming Club World Cup. T

The prospect of his absence weighs heavily on Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares for upcoming matches against formidable opponents such as Celta de Vigo, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and Valencia.

What next for Real Madrid and Ancelotti?

Dani Carvajal has an ACL injury. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

In light of this setback, Ancelotti must rethink his defensive strategy and identify who will step into Carvajal’s shoes. Currently, Lucas Vazquez emerges as the primary candidate to fill the void left by the injured veteran.

Vazquez has the experience and capability to take on a more prominent role, but the coaching staff will need to consider additional alternatives to ensure adequate coverage.

Over-reliance on Vazquez could lead to fatigue or potential injuries, creating further complications for the team. Ancelotti will need to be proactive in managing the squad’s fitness levels, and rotating players as necessary to mitigate the risk of further injuries.

Depth in the squad is vital, especially during such a demanding season filled with high-stakes matches.

The situation with Carvajal serves as a sobering reminder of the physical challenges that professional athletes face and the need for careful management of their well-being.