Real Madrid handed an injury blow ahead of Champions League game

The Spanish giants have already lost goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao to long-term injuries.

Real Madrid face a setback as Dani Carvajal is set to miss crucial fixtures due to a muscle injury in his right leg.

The injury will see him sidelined for Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash against Union Berlin on Wednesday. Doubts are also looming over his availability for Sunday’s derby away to Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.

According to The Athletic, Carvajal missed Tuesday’s training session due to discomfort. The right-back might make a swift return though, with his expected recovery expected to take approximately five to eight days.

During a press conference, Carlo Ancelotti was in a hopeful mood. The Real Madrid manager refused to rule Carvajal out of this weekend’s Madrid derby. He suggested there is still a chance for the 31-year-old, who will undergo tests on Wednesday.

Who will replace Carvajal?

In Carvajal’s absence, the question arises about who will step into his role. Nacho and Lucas Vazquez are among the prime contenders to fill the void. Both players are eager to prove their worth, having not started a game all season.

Should either Nacho or Vazquez get the nod, they’ll have big boots to fill. Carvajal has been an essential presence for Real Madrid. The 31-year-old has started in all five of the club’s LaLiga matches, contributing one assist.

Elsewhere, Luka Modric is set to return to the line-up for the second time this season on Wednesday.

Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos, meanwhile, returned to training on Tuesday. Arda Guler is expected to be back as well next Monday.