MADRID, Oct 6, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Spanish defender Dani Carvajal is facing 
several months on the sidelines, Real Madrid confirmed Sunday, saying he 
needed surgery after a serious knee injury during a La Liga match against 
Villarreal.

"He has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a 
rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus 
tendon in his right leg," Real Madrid said in a statement.

Madrid captain Carvajal hurt his knee in the final minutes of the reigning 
champions' 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday night which saw the team pull 
level with La Liga leaders Barca, who face Alaves on Sunday.

Carvajal, 32, went down in agony after attempting to clear a ball under 
pressure from Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino.

The right-back, who won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, confirmed he would 
miss a few months on social media network Instagram.

"A serious cruciate ligament injury has been confirmed, I'm going to have to 
undergo surgery and be out for a few months," wrote Carvajal.

"I can't wait to start my recovery and come back like a beast. Thank you very 
much to everyone for your messages, I feel very loved."

Later Sunday, the European champions announced Carvajal had previously agreed 
a deal to extend his contract, which was due to expire at the end of the 
season.

"Real Madrid announces that, as planned, we have agreed with Dani Carvajal 
the extension of our player's contract, who remains linked to the club until 
30 June 2026," said Los Blancos in a statement.

Carvajal was offered support on social media by his team-mates and celebrity 
figures.

"Keep up the good work Dani! You will come back stronger," wrote Spanish 
tennis star Carlos Alcaraz.

Last season Real Madrid missed Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao for much of 
the campaign with similar knee injuries.

Spain will be without Carvajal in the months ahead too, along with Manchester 
City midfielder Rodri Hernandez, also sidelined with a serious knee injury.

Madrid also confirmed winger Vinicius Junior, who scored in the win over 
Villarreal, had suffered a neck injury, although Spanish reports expect him 
to be fit after the international break.