Dani Carvajal out of Real Madrid squad with viral infection
As confirmed on the Real Madrid website, the full back will miss the game against Espanyol and joins Marcelo and Theo Hernández on the sidelines.
Real Madrid full back Dani Carvajal will be out of Sunday evening's Liga game against Espanyol after being diagnosed with a viral infection. It is unknown as yet how long this will leave the player out for but almost certainly will involve him also missing the two upcoming games for the Spanish national side.
Real Madrid statement on Carvajal
The club issued a statement on Saturday evening which stated:
"Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal, he has been diagnosed with a viral pericardium infection. His recovery will continue to be assessed."
'No reason to be alarmed'
Carvajal has been unwell for a few days and went for tests on Saturday to identify the reason for his symptoms. Resident AS doctor José González spoke upon the announcement by the club:
"Although alarm bells will be ringing with this news of a not well known illness, there is no reason to be worried. It is simply an inflammation of the heart wall caused by the virus and is normally treated with Ibuprofen and rest. Exercise during the recovery is not advisable as this can lead to more serious consequences."
The key to recovery is patience and time. It is likely that the player will be out of the game for a few weeks.
Defensive decisions for Zidane
With other full backs Marcelo and Theo Hernández also out for Zinedine Zidane's squad for matchday seven, it is expected that Achraf Hakimi will get his chance in the defensive line. ZIdane, of course, Until this point, Carvajal is the only player in Los Blancos' squad to have played every minute of every game.
Another option, however unlikely, available to Zidane is to play Gareth Bale at full back, which is the position he started out for Premier League club Southampton. The Welshman will be hoping to take the field in his usual attacking role although is an injury doubt himself.
