Real Madrid defender’s injury recovery progressing better than expected – report

It has been four months since Dani Carvajal ruptured his ACL late in the La Liga clash against Villarreal. The veteran defender’s absence has been felt dearly by Real Madrid, especially in the big games, with Lucas Vazquez getting caught out.

Having undergone surgery, the Spanish right-back is fully focused on his recovery, with the aim of being ready in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.

Carvajal’s recovery progressing very well

Now, journalist Manu Amor reports that Carvajal’s recovery is progressing much better than expected and the 33-year-old will soon begin jogging on the field.

The hardest days – spent immobilised and in pain after his surgery – are behind him, and he is slowly getting back to his routine at Valdebebas as he nears the end of the first phase of his recovery.

Carvajal’s teammates, including Vazquez and Luka Modric, have been supportive through this period, and now he finds himself providing emotional support to Eder Militao, who is a month behind in his recovery.

Talking about his recovery in a recent interview, the Real Madrid icon said: “I feel like an animal. I’m doing very well, my knee is respecting me and I’m enjoying the process. Things have to be taken with joy, enthusiasm and a lot of effort. 

“Every day I try to lift the dumbbell with more energy than the day before, start running as hard as possible… Trying to get back as soon as possible.”

Without setting specific timelines for returning to full training, Carvajal is confident that everything is progressing well, and if things continue in this direction, he stands a good chance of returning for the Club World Cup, which begins on 18 June.

By that date, eight months and 13 days will have passed since his cruciate ligament injury – which is the typical recovery time for the nature of that injury.

Carvajal is aware of the risks, but the prospect of finishing the season and competing in a tournament that, despite the calendar pressure, guarantees excitement and a fierce battle against top clubs motivates him.