Injured Real Madrid defender trying to return to action before year end | OneFootball

Real Madrid are facing a precarious situation in the right-back department.

The club most recently suffered a massive blow as Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a fresh injury that has now ruled out him out for at least two months.

Trent’s injury comes at a time when Real Madrid are already missing out on Dani Carvajal, who is yet to recover full fitness and remains sidelined.

To make matters worse, coach Xabi Alonso is unlikely to receive any support from the Real Madrid board in the upcoming January transfer window.

That leaves Alonso with no option but to deploy either Federico Valverde or Raul Asencio in the right-back position, at least for the time being, before Carvajal comes back into the picture.

Carvajal eyeing return before year end

A recent report from AS has offered a fresh update on Carvajal’s fitness, suggesting that the defender is working hard to return to full fitness.

In fact, the Spaniard is looking to get back on the pitch by the end of the year, even though it might prove to be a difficult target.

When will Carvajal return to action? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The main concern around Carvajal’s fitness is that the arthroscopy was performed on his right knee, the same area where he tore his anterior cruciate ligament on October 9 last year.

Hence, there is fear that Carvajal shouldn’t be rushed back into action and the defender should be given time to recover fully.

Therefore, a more realistic return date for the veteran right-back would at the start of next year. In fact, he is likely to be available at the disposal of Alonso for Real Madrid’s first match of 2026 against Real Betis.

The report adds that he will also be available for the Spanish Super Cup match against Atletico Madrid in Jeddah on January 8.