Dani Carvajal confirms ACL injury with surgery pending

Spanish juggernaut Real Madrid will be without veteran full-back Dani Carvajal for the long term after the extent of his injury has been revealed.

The 32-year-old Leganés-born defender was stretched off in tears during the club’s 2-0 win over visiting Villarreal on Saturday.

Carvajal then took to Instagram to confirm he suffered a serious ACL tear, which will require surgery.

Madrid are already struggling with a lack of depth in key areas of the first-team this season under Carlo Ancelotti and could have more than just Carvajal sidelined.

The club are also sweating over injury news surrounding star winger Vinícius Júnior, who suffered a potentially serious shoulder issue in the same match.

With average recovery time for an ACL injury typically ranging from six months to potentially up to a year, Carvajal’s long-term absence could hamper Madrid’s efforts in what will once again be billed as a season of expectation.