Real Madrid win the top duel in the Spanish championship. But Dani Carvajal's serious knee injury means there is little joy.
No time? blue Sport sums it up for itself
- Dani Carvajal cries in pain during the league game against Villarreal.
- The Real Madrid defender suffers a serious knee injury and is ruled out for an extended period.
- His coach Carlo Ancelotti also blames the busy match schedule.
Champions League winners Real Madrid and the Spanish national team will have to do without Dani Carvajal for several months. The defender suffered a serious injury in stoppage time of the 2-0 home win in the top match of the Spanish championship between second and third-placed FC Villarreal. The 32-year-old was stretchered off the pitch in tears in stoppage time.
The Real captain collided with his opponent Yeremi Pino during a tackle in the closing stages of the game. The international was still able to clear the ball. However, he then collapsed with loud cries of pain and held his right knee. His team-mates immediately rushed to his side to comfort him.
The European champion later posted a photo of himself, apparently from an ambulance, and wrote: "Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I have to undergo an operation and will be out for a few months. I'm looking forward to starting my recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you all so much for your messages, I feel very loved."
Real Madrid's 2-0 win, with one more game to play, saw them close the gap on leaders FC Barcelona on points and extend their lead over chasing Villarreal to four points. The goals were scored by Fede Valverde (14th minute) and Vinicius Junior (73rd).
Ancelotti fears serious knee injury for Carvajal
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti was concerned about his protégé's injury after the game. It's something that happens very often "because of the calendar" and has affected a "very important" player in his squad, said the Italian, probably referring to the large number of games for the top club.
"Carvajal is a key player for us because of his experience and his attitude," Ancelotti said of the Real professional, who has played for the Whites since the 2013/14 season. The defender was named by national team coach Luis de la Fuentes for the Nations League matches against Denmark (October 12) and Serbia (October 15).
dpa
