Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has undergone arthroscopic surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months.
Madrid said on Tuesday the surgery on his right knee was successful.
The 33-year-old Spain defender underwent tests on Monday morning after feeling discomfort following his arrival as a 72nd-minute substitute in Madrid's 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona on Sunday.
A club statement read: "Following tests carried out on our captain, Dani Carvajal, by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a loose joint in his right knee.
"Carvajal will undergo arthroscopy."
Carvajal's appearance in El Clasico was his first since suffering a calf injury in Los Blancos' 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sept. 27.
It was only the eighth appearance for the veteran right back this season. He was out for about nine months after a knee injury in 2024.
Madrid did not specify in the statement how long Carvajal would be out, but sources told ESPN that the LaLiga leaders hope to have him back at the start of 2026.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had been nursing a hamstring injury, is set to return as a starter at right back.
Madrid's next match is on Saturday at home against Valencia.
Information from The Associated Press and PA was used in this report.