Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal limps off in loss to CSKA Moscow

Real Madrid entered Tuesday’s night match against CSKA Moscow without four key players – Isco, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Sergio Ramos – and they could see another name added to the injury list. Dani Carvajal limped off just before halftime causing concern amongst Madridistas.

Although nothing has been announced by the club, right-back Dani Carvajal looked to be in pain after making a darting run down the right flank late in the first half of Madrid’s 1-0 loss to CSKA in the second group stage match of the Champions League.

Dani was electric on both ends of the field as he brought a spark that we usually see from The Whites’ captain, Ramos. But, he was unable to track back on defense in the 41st minute leaving Lucas Vazquez to pick up the slack.

Shortly thereafter, manager Julen Lopetegui went to his bench and brought on new signing Álvaro Odriozola to fill in for Carvajal.

The Madrid boss was upset and brief in his post-match remarks as he made mention of the problem that forced the fullback off prematurely.

“Carvajal has a minor muscular injury in his calf and we’ll have to wait until he undergoes testing,” he told the reporters at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Dani missed the 1-0 win over Espanyol a couple weekends ago and the loss to Sevilla with a lingering leg muscle issue, but it proved to be nothing serious as he returned for the match against Atletico.

The defender will undergo tests back in Madrid Wednesday that should give a better idea of the extent of the problem.

For now, however, Lopetegui will have to dig deep into his reserves to field a solid squad against Deportivo Alavés on Saturday. The good news is that Real Madrid will not play for two weeks following their eighth La Liga match due to the international break.

For at least the next few hours, we Real Madrid supporters will be sweating out the thought of not having either regular fullback available.

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