Carvajal out of El Clasico as Real Madrid trails Barcelona by 11 points

Real Madrid confirmed that right‑back Dani Carvajal suffered a toe fracture that rules him out of the upcoming clash with Barcelona. The injury was announced on Saturday and is expected to keep him sidelined for roughly two weeks.

Carvajal’s absence comes at a critical juncture. Madrid sit 11 points behind league leaders Barcelona, who can clinch the title this weekend with a win at Osasuna if Los Blancos drop points against Espanyol on Sunday.

The veteran defender, 34, has been a fixture in Madrid’s back line for a decade, contributing to six Champions League trophies and four domestic titles. He is out of contract at season’s end, making the missed Clasico potentially his final appearance for the club.

Spanish media report that Carvajal could return for Real’s final league match against Athletic Bilbao, scheduled after the season concludes. Until then, Madrid must rely on alternatives at right‑back, a position that has seen limited depth this campaign.

Real’s tactical options are narrowed without Carvajal’s experience and defensive stability. Coach Carlo Ancelotti may need to adjust his lineup, possibly promoting younger players or reshuffling the back four. The change could affect Madrid’s ability to secure a positive result against a Barcelona side that has been dominant all season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, approaches the weekend with the league title within reach. A victory at Osasuna would secure the crown, regardless of Madrid’s performance on Sunday. The Catalan club’s momentum adds pressure on Real to earn points in the Espanyol fixture to keep any mathematical chance alive.

The injury also impacts Carvajal’s personal ambitions. He had hoped to feature in Spain’s World Cup squad, but an injury‑plagued season already limited his prospects. Missing the high‑profile Clasico further diminishes his showcase before the tournament.

What to watch next: Madrid’s response to Carvajal’s loss in the Espanyol match, and whether Barcelona clinches the title before the season finale.