Real Madrid’s recent 2-5 defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano has left more than just a dent in their La Liga ambitions; it’s also triggered a defensive crisis that’s threatening to derail their early-season momentum. The loss, their first of the 2025/26 campaign, was painful enough, but the injury list that followed has cast a long shadow over the club’s immediate future.
The most significant blow came in the 40th minute of the derby, when Dani Carvajal suffered a nasty stamp from Atlético’s Nico González. Carvajal’s immediate reaction was telling—he screamed in pain, writhed on the turf, and required medical attention before bravely continuing. By the 59th minute, though, the pain became unmanageable, and he was forced to come off. Tests conducted the following morning confirmed the worst: Carvajal had sustained a tear in the right soleus muscle of his leg. Real Madrid’s medical staff estimate his absence at four to five weeks, a timeline that puts his participation in the season’s first El Clásico against Barcelona in serious doubt.
“Following tests carried out today on Dani Carvajal by Real Madrid’s medical department, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg. His progress will be monitored,” the club announced on September 28, 2025. The timing couldn’t be worse. Real Madrid now face a daunting run without their first-choice right back, including Champions League and La Liga fixtures that will test the depth and versatility of Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Carvajal is set to miss the Champions League trip to Kairat Almaty on September 30, the home clash with Villarreal on October 4, the international break, a tricky away day at Getafe on October 19, and the marquee European showdown against Juventus on October 22. His status for El Clásico on October 26 remains up in the air—if his recovery is on the shorter end, he could just make it, but any setbacks would mean watching from the stands. The club expects him to be available again for the home game against Valencia on November 2 and the much-anticipated Liverpool clash on November 4.
Carvajal himself didn’t hide his frustration after the derby, telling reporters, “I have the marks of Nico’s studs on my body. If he wasn’t sent off, they must have had their reasons...” The sense of injustice, coupled with the sting of injury, was palpable.
The right-back situation is even more precarious for Alonso, with summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold also sidelined. Alexander-Arnold picked up a hamstring injury during Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille and has been out ever since. At the time, the Englishman was expected to miss six to eight weeks—a prognosis that makes his participation in El Clásico highly unlikely. With Antonio Rüdiger also unavailable, Alonso’s defensive options are stretched to the limit.
Who steps in now? The spotlight turns to Raul Asencio and Fede Valverde. Valverde, who has mostly featured in midfield this season, could be asked to reprise the right-back role he occasionally played under former boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Uruguayan is known for his versatility and work rate, but there’s no denying that plugging defensive holes with makeshift solutions is far from ideal for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
The injury woes didn’t stop with Carvajal. Éder Militão also limped off during the derby, sparking fears of a more serious problem. The Brazilian center-back suffered a severe contusion to his ankle in the third minute after a collision with Alexander Sorloth. Despite the pain, Militão soldiered on until halftime before being replaced by Raul Asencio. Thankfully for Madridistas, subsequent medical tests revealed no tear or sprain—just a bad bruise. The club expects Militão to undergo two or three days of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, making him a candidate for the Villarreal match on October 4.
According to Sergio Quirante, “Militão does not have an ankle injury. But he does have a severe contusion and will need treatment and recovery for 2-3 days.” That’s a welcome relief for Alonso, who can ill afford to lose another defensive stalwart as the fixture list intensifies.
As the club prepares for the upcoming Champions League tie against Kairat Almaty, Alonso faces a classic selection headache. With both first-choice right backs out and Rüdiger still unavailable, the defense will have to be reshuffled. The situation is eerily reminiscent of last season, when injuries forced then-manager Carlo Ancelotti to deploy midfielders and even wingers in defensive roles. Now, Alonso must find a way to keep the back line organized and resilient, even as the absences pile up.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Real Madrid are dealing with persistent transfer speculation. The future of Vinicius Jr. remains a hot topic, with several Premier League giants—including Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal—closely monitoring his contract situation. Despite ongoing negotiations, the club and player have yet to agree on terms, reportedly due to wage demands. The impasse has encouraged English clubs to circle, hoping to lure the Brazilian star away should talks break down. For now, Vinicius remains committed to the Madrid cause, but fans and pundits alike are watching developments with bated breath.
The international break in early October offers a brief respite, but it also means that players will be scattered around the globe, increasing the risk of further injuries. Alonso and his staff will be hoping that no additional setbacks occur, as the club can scarcely afford more absences in what is shaping up to be a pivotal stretch of the season.
Looking further ahead, the return of Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold will be crucial for Real Madrid’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Until then, the team’s depth, tactical flexibility, and fighting spirit will be tested like never before. Can Alonso’s makeshift defense hold the line against top-tier opposition? Will Vinicius Jr. silence the transfer rumors with match-winning performances? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, with every match now carrying added significance.
For now, Madridistas can only hope that the injury storm passes quickly, and that their team emerges stronger on the other side. With key fixtures looming and the title race heating up, every decision, every recovery, and every point gained—or lost—could make all the difference.
As Real Madrid brace for a challenging October, all eyes will be on the medical reports, the training ground, and the tactical whiteboard. The season is still young, but the stakes are already sky high in the Spanish capital.
