Real Madrid's Injury Nightmare Deepens as Star Defender Dani Carvajal Faces Extended Layoff

Real Madrid and manager Xabi Alonso face a challenging period ahead as they must cope without their two primary right-back options following Dani Carvajal's leg injury sustained during the clash with Atlético Madrid.

The Blancos endured their first defeat of the campaign in Saturday's Madrid derby, with Carvajal's injury adding insult to injury.

"After medical examinations conducted today on Dani Carvajal by Real Madrid's medical staff, the player has been found to have sustained a soleus muscle injury in his right leg. His recovery will be closely observed," Real Madrid announced on Sunday.

Carvajal faces approximately four to five weeks on the sidelines, according to The Athletic. Consequently, the 33-year-old Spanish defender is set to miss the Champions League encounter with Juventus and the highly anticipated El Clásico scheduled for Oct. 26.

The La Liga table-toppers were already managing without Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into the match. The summer acquisition suffered a hamstring problem during Real Madrid's Champions League debut against Marseille and has remained unavailable since. When initially injured, Alexander-Arnold was expected to be out for approximately six to eight weeks.

Alonso will probably turn to Raul Asencio or Fede Valverde to cover the right-back position for a defense already missing Antonio Rüdiger. Valverde has primarily operated in midfield this season after playing defensively under previous coach Carlo Ancelotti.

While the Uruguayan versatile player reportedly prefers remaining in midfield, he will naturally adapt to any required position. Nevertheless, Alonso encounters a comparable predicament to Ancelotti from last season, having to address defensive gaps with players operating outside their natural roles.

Éder Militão also sustained an injury during the derby but is not expected to be absent for an extended period.

Real Madrid will face Kairat Almaty and Villarreal in Champions League and La Liga action on Sept. 30 and Oct. 4 respectively before the October international break.