Dani Carvajal Suffers Soleus Muscle Injury, Faces Four Weeks Out Ahead of El Clásico

Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal has been ruled out for up to four weeks after suffering an injury to his soleus muscle, the deep calf muscle vital for explosive sprints and stability. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the setback, which medical experts note is a common football injury.

A 2023 Medical News Today analysis found soleus strains frequently occur in players engaged in repeated high-intensity runs, making Carvajal’s case unsurprising but nonetheless damaging for Los Blancos.

This latest injury compounds Carvajal’s worrying fitness record, coming less than a year after a serious ACL tear in October 2024 that sidelined him for months, as reported by beIN SPORTS. The pattern of recurring leg injuries raises concerns over his long-term reliability in Real Madrid’s defense, particularly with El Clásico against Barcelona looming.

Carvajal has been a cornerstone of Madrid’s backline since his first-team breakthrough in 2013, contributing to their dominance in both domestic and European competitions.

Historical records show the club’s success in the 2010s was built on defensive consistency, something now under threat as Carlo Ancelotti may be forced into tactical reshuffles.

With crucial fixtures ahead, Madrid’s reliance on Carvajal highlights the broader challenge of balancing elite performance with player durability.

His absence could open the door for alternatives like Lucas Vázquez or academy prospect Vinícius Tobias, but whether they can fill the void in one of football’s most high-stakes matches remains uncertain.